Day-old chick shaking head, scratching ears, flopping over

[Magpie1]

I just picked up my chicks from the post office purchased from a reputable hatchery. At least I've had good success with them before. It's been about 3 hours and one of the chicks is shaking it's head and scratching at it's ears. It does this so violently that it sometimes flops over on it's back. It may also have splayed leg syndrome but I can't tell if it's just trying to keep itself upright. I thought about separating it from the others but decided against that. One of the chicks died in transit. Any suggestions.

 

[ChickenChaser9]

I just picked up my chicks from the post office purchased from a reputable hatchery. At least I've had good success with them before. It's been about 3 hours and one of the chicks is shaking it's head and scratching at it's ears. It does this so violently that it sometimes flops over on it's back. It may also have splayed leg syndrome but I can't tell if it's just trying to keep itself upright. I thought about separating it from the others but decided against that. One of the chicks died in transit.

Hello Magpie1,
It is important to observe the bird closely and discern wheither or not there is splayed leg going on. Here is another thread that may be relevant to you.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/667341/what-does-head-shaking-signify

 

[RitzHomestead]

We just picked up 12 chicks and we had one that was doing that, and I was worried about the splayed leg as well as when she walked it looked as if she wasn't standing all the way up. To me the whole falling over thing is just like a new born horse or deer they are wobbly and takes them a little bit to strengthen their legs and gain their balance. I would become concerned if they are scratching to the point of drawing blood, or if they are still not showing signs of improvement with the splayed leg after about a week. If she is able to get to her water and food fine then she should be good.

 

[Magpie1]

The chick seems to have recovered. I'm guessing it was trauma caused by shipping. It will be interesting to see if that chick thrives. Thank you for your responses.

 

[ChickenChaser9]

The chick seems to have recovered. I'm guessing it was trauma caused by shipping. It will be interesting to see if that chick thrives. Thank you for your responses.

let us know how your chick processes. Pics are welcome.

 

[dshelby]

I had this happen to my 3 week old chick. The worst ever and no one seemed to know what the issue was. Someone suggested B complex and Vit E.
I have been hand feeding her for two days now and I can't believe how much better she is! Use a syringe and also give electrolytes. These runt chicks are probably not eating and drinking enough! This is her in a portable box that I bring to my practice and feed her throughout the day. Mix B complex with Vit E, small amount of yogurt and electrolyte water. I give that once every morning and give her 2 ccs of electrolyte water every 2 hours. You must separate from flock. I really struggled with this, but they get scared and trample them while they are thrashing. Keep them warm and feed organic scratch.

 

[Shamo Hybrid]

Oooooh.... you're a doctor?! Cha-ching!