Chick won't lift head up?

[chcknatthedisco]

One of our chicks started acting weird about a week ago. She wouldn't lift her head all the way up and sometimes her neck would give out. She wouldn't move and then her head would shake and she would push herself across the floor backwards. We treated her for botulism and she is doing better but she still won't lift her head up. She runs around with the other chicks but sometimes her head will drop. Usually it seems like something triggers it, like me picking her up. She is an ameraucana and about 5 weeks old. Here are pictures (she is the orange one)

so what do you guys think is wrong? Thanks for any help

 

[Gresh]

Here's a link that may be helpful:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1118195/help-what-could-be-wrong

Although the breed in the above threat is a Silkie, wry-neck and other similar neck/paralysis issues can be found in any breed.

I am sorry to hear about her condition...those pictures hurt my heart. I hope she gets better. Let me know if the link (particularly the response I gave to the owner) is helpful or not.

~Gresh~

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I agree with @Gresh it looks like it could be wry neck or crook neck.

You can give vitamin E and selenium, found in Poultry Nutri-Drench and Poultry Cell vitamins found at your local feed store.



http://www.raising-happy-chickens.com/wry-neck.html
http://www.browneggblueegg.com/Article/Crookneck/Crookneck.html
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/97121/lets-talk-wry-neck-crook-neck

 

[chcknatthedisco]

Thank you both. I looked into wry neck but it just didn't seem right. I will try the vitamins. Other than her neck she seems like any other chick. Thank you again.

 

[Gresh]

No problem. Keep us posted, and let us know if there is any improvement or worsening of her condition!

 

[chcknatthedisco]

We bought the poultry cell stuff and put it in with her water. She didn't look any worse but it is too soon to tell. I am gone until Monday night. Will give you an update then sadly a predator is also picking off our bigger hens

 

[Gresh]

Sorry to hear about the predator...that's a whole discussion in itself! If the problem gets bad you can always go to the "Predators and Pests" section of the forum...there's all sorts of helpful hints there!

Have a good weekend, and Happy Independence Day!

 

[chcknatthedisco]

Hey guys! Sorry I haven't gotten back to you sooner, but Weatherby (our chick with wry neck) is doing perfect! We bought poultry cell and put it in her water and food for about 3 weeks. She is completely normal and runs around with the rest of them. Thank you all for the suggestions

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Hey guys! Sorry I haven't gotten back to you sooner, but Weatherby (our chick with wry neck) is doing perfect! We bought poultry cell and put it in her water and food for about 3 weeks. She is completely normal and runs around with the rest of them. Thank you all for the suggestions

Thanks for the update!
Glad to hear she is doing just fine