Stretching, Swaying & Nodding Neck... Could this be Neurological?

[McEgger]

We have an 8 week old D'Uccle chick who was dropped on her head as a baby. The day we brought her home from the farm store, the employee accidentally dropped her from about 4 feet high. I believe she was just 3 days old, and had been vaccinated at the time.

She seems to be developing relatively normally. She eats and drinks and sleeps with the other chicks, although she is more of a loner. About half the time we find her by herself, and the other half she is mingling with her sisters. She acts as if her equilibrium is off, she gets around fine but is quite wobbly.

I'm most concerned about her neck movements. She has frequent spells where she stretches her neck out and sways from side to side repetitively.

She does not shake her head.

Is there anything we can do to help her?

 

[azygous]

That neck action is also typical of a crop issue. It's not always associated with a neurological disorder. Is this chick getting access to proper grit?

What does she do when standing and walking? Have you noticed her balance being off?

Hot weather can cause dehydration and the symptoms can appear to be neurological. Exposure to mold can also cause these symptoms. You decide what fits your situation. But if this is a residual injury from being dropped, try vitamin E oil given with egg for absorption. B-vitamins can also help.