Ear infection?

[Linnylouhoo55]

Can chicks get ear infections? I have one that violently scratches at her ears then gets flipped on her back and can’t get back up. I read a similar post and the lady rubbed antibiotic ointment on her ears and she was fine. I have done that but now I have a couple of other chicks that seem to be scratching at their ears more often. I could just be paranoid but just wondering what I should do?

 

[HuskerHens18]

What do you use for bedding? Do you use a disinfectant in the same room as the chicks? Is it rather dry air where you are? If you look at them closely do you see any mites?
I did a little reading and found some people had to change bedding, theirs was irritating the babies. Others were using a disinfectant that bothered them. Another post said the air was dry so they raised the humidity.
I have never had this problem so I hope you can figure it out soon ❤

And from what I understand, yes chickens can get ear infections.

 

[Eggcessive]

How old are they? I would check them over well for lice and mites. Look closely at the ear canal of the one who is worst. Look for any swelling of the earlobe or drainage. You could swab with QTip to see what comes out. Any pictures? Chicks when growing in feathers do seem to scratch a bit.

 

[dawg53]

Eggcessive is correct. When chicks start losing fluff, it irritates the the heck out of them and they scratch alot and pick at themselves.

 

[Linnylouhoo55]

They are one week old today. They all look normal. Until tonight I didn’t have any bedding but paper towels. I usually just do paper towels for a few days. I cleaned a disinfecte deverything tonight I have added a few pine shavings.

 

[Linnylouhoo55]

the scratching and screaming I would compare almost to a seizure. This is like my 4th go around with chicks and I have never seen anything like this before. Other than when she’s scratching and acting crazy she acts totally normal.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

the scratching and screaming I would compare almost to a seizure. This is like my 4th go around with chicks and I have never seen anything like this before. Other than when she’s scratching and acting crazy she acts totally normal.

Can you take a video of her actions? Upload to youtube and provide a link.

 

[Linnylouhoo55]

Can you take a video of her actions? Upload to youtube and provide a link.

I will try to get a video tomorrow

 

[Eggcessive]

Well, the video would be good, but there could be something wrong with the chick. Hopefully it is just a temporary issue. They do scratch a lot, but it might be something neurological or something else irritating her going on. Make sure that she isn’t getting too hot. I had a 3 day old banyam chick once who pecked all of the other chicks’ eyes constantly, and would not stop. I finally had to separate her overnight with a little fence, and she was fine afterward. She is 8 now and going strong.