SHAKING HEAD

[paulaj]

Hi I have 4 two week old chicks one is smallier than the others she is very active and eating well she shakes her head has done from a day old she does it when shes sleeping and awake any suggestions

 

[aoxa]

Head shaking can signify external parasites (lice, mites), so I would check for those first. It can happen with ear infections, something caught in her throat, etc. Do a really good once over.

I have had a silkie do it before. In her case I believe she was pecked on the head and caused an issue. She grew out of it, but I do think what I mentioned above are more likely.

 

[paulaj]

Yes i have checked her but you saying about being pecked when i first got her she seemed to have a bit of blood on her head so maybe it was that

 

[aoxa]

Yes i have checked her but you saying about being pecked when i first got her she seemed to have a bit of blood on her head so maybe it was that

Silkie's don't have a fully enclosed skull like other breeds, so their brain is exposed pretty much. A peck on the head will damage the brain for a silkie.

 

[paulaj]

If that is the case,i think it is will she just carry on like the other chicks,is it just coincidence she is small

 

[aoxa]

If that is the case,i think it is will she just carry on like the other chicks,is it just coincidence she is small

What breed is she?

 

[paulaj]

I am not sure would you have any ideal

 

[aoxa]

I am not sure would you have any ideal

I'm sorry, I can't really tell. All those reddish chicks look the same to me.

Where did you get them?

 

[paulaj]

I live in england got them of my dad as a gift he got them from a farm he thinks the ladie just said there were hybrids really i am trying to get all the information i can to give these little ones a good life

 

[aoxa]

I live in england got them of my dad as a gift he got them from a farm he thinks the ladie just said there were hybrids really i am trying to get all the information i can to give these little ones a good life

Hybrids - that could very likely be true. I have 18 of them growing out right now (red sex links) and some are much bigger than others.

Still not sure on the head shaking though :/