Suspected neuro issues in new chick

[OfWolvesAndHen]

So, as another update:

He's still taking a lot of effort to drink his water, and is craning his neck really far back to do so. He does drink a lot, though, and while he hasn't discovered his food yet he's very interested in pecking the bedding---and his siblings' toes and beaks.

He's still having these episodes in sporadic bursts but I've noticed that after I pick him up, he stops and goes about his business as usual. His toes are correcting themselves and he's walking well. However I'm still worried about him because I don't know what these episodes are, or why he's drinking water in such a strange way.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

The legs don't appear to be splayed. His toes are still a bit curled but have straightened out significantly since earlier. He only hatched this afternoon so I'm not surprised to see him bumbling around a bit. He's trying to run before he knows how to walk!

He went into another episode of this weird scratching but stopped as soon as I picked him up and rubbed his neck a bit. Then he went back to bothering his siblings and pecking the bedding.

Not sure at this point if it's neurological or not because he otherwise is an active, alert chick with no clear signs of illness. I feel like if it was a neuro issue he would be clearly lethargic and dazed. I'll get them some vitamins regardless!

So, as another update:

He's still taking a lot of effort to drink his water, and is craning his neck really far back to do so. He does drink a lot, though, and while he hasn't discovered his food yet he's very interested in pecking the bedding---and his siblings' toes and beaks.

He's still having these episodes in sporadic bursts but I've noticed that after I pick him up, he stops and goes about his business as usual. His toes are correcting themselves and he's walking well. However I'm still worried about him because I don't know what these episodes are, or why he's drinking water in such a strange way.

How is he doing now?
If the toes haven't corrected, then taping them flat can be helpful.
I would definitely try some vitamins for a boost to see if that makes a difference.

 

[OfWolvesAndHen]

How is he doing now?
If the toes haven't corrected, then taping them flat can be helpful.
I would definitely try some vitamins for a boost to see if that makes a difference.

The toes are mostly corrected but the episodes are still continuing. He's getting better at drinking water, I think he just had to learn how Lots of curious pecking! I just need to find him some vitamins.

 

[OfWolvesAndHen]

Happy update!

Little Ganymede is on his feet and exploring the brooder just like his siblings. He's even learning to run and hop. He loves to peck his reflection, his siblings' toes, and my phone camera. He's drinking his water like a pro, having healthy poops, and is learning how to eat! His toes have almost completely fixed themselves and he's caught right up to his brother and sister.

In the short episode I caught him having this morning, upon closer observation I think he was trying to preen but would lose his balance due to his crooked toes. They would always start with normal preening and he would only show distress after he had tipped over. I also wonder if because of the curly toes, he wasn't quite able to take care of an itch properly, causing the frantic shaking. After I scratched at the area he was trying to get he would immediately calm down. He is otherwise acting perfectly healthy so I think we're in the clear.

I still plan on giving vitamins, if nothing else for the sake of keeping them all healthy. But for now, my little one is an active, happy member of the flock!