Scratching and spasms in chicks

[Cfaure]

2 of my day old pheasant chicks are scratching around their head/neck (with both feet at a time) that leads to severe spasms. Chicks chirps uncontrollably as if in pain. Does anyone know what is wrong? Its definitely not mites. My new chicks get a new and clean towel.

 

[azygous]

Where did these chicks come from? Did you incubate and hatch them yourself? Did you get them from a private breeder? Feed store? Mail order?

What it sounds like is these two were incubated under less than optimal conditions and suffered developmental defects. If that's the case, there isn't much to be done except to euthanize them.

You are right in your observation the chicks could be in pain. Scratching frantically at their heads seems to indicate they are experiencing head or ear pain.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I agree, that sounds like a neurological problem, or spasms that some animals go through as they die.

 

[Cfaure]

I incubate all my own eggs. Other chicks hatched at the same time....also ringneck pheasants, goldens and reeves. And there is nothing wrong with them. I actually cured them after a week. Gave them antibiotics. But still would like to know why it happened.

 

[realsis]

wow, not sure. could it have possibly been ear problems? so glad they are better!

 

[Cfaure]

I have no idea what it could have been. First time it happened. Last year I never had that problem. Out of my 45 Ringneck pheasant it only happened to those 2. Also glad they are okey. I hate to see animals in pain and they dont have ability to tell us whats wrong.

 

[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 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.​