Sudden unknown sickness ...?

[henkeeper357]

I got a new flock of 5 chicks a few weeks ago. 2 of them randomly died. Now, they are around 4-5 weeks old. I went to feed them and I found my Rhode Island Red chick all fluffed up. She won't eat, drink, and when I put her down and try to get her to walk she tumbles on to her side. Now I have her wrapped up in a heating pad, and I keep thinking she is dead, but then she will flop around, make cheeping noises and flap her wings. She's not really getting anywhere, though. She keeps tipping her head backwards and shaking and widening her eyes. Please help us, we don't want to lose another chicken!

--M--

 

[SampyArctica]

Hi there, welcome to the forums but I'm sorry it's not under better circumstances...

Hmm, check this thread out and compare what you're seeing with your chicks: https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/coccidiosis-how-to-treat-it

 

[BantamLover21]

It sounds like she has some sort of neurological problem, like Marek's Disease, wry neck, or stargazing. Marek's is caused by a virus, and doesn't really have a cure. Wry neck is usually caused by a vitamin dificiency, or sometimes by injury to the head. Stargazing can be hereditary, due to injury, or because of a vitamin problem. I would try to get her to drink some vitamin water, or give her 1-3 drops of polyvisol infant vitamins (without iron). Other than that, though, I'm not sure what else you can do.