We received a group of chicks from a hatchery on March 15th. Seven of these were Sultan bantams. Two have died since and a third is showing the same symptoms. Only the Sultan babies seem affcted. I have been researching poultry diseases but have not found anything that fits their symptoms. They act as if they are having siezures. Their feet alternatly appear to be scratching the head area. Wings are extended and sometimes they fall over backward, struggling to turn themselves upright. Most of the time they act normal and are eating, drinking water and act like normal chicks. After 3-4 days I find them dead.
What does the hatchery say about this? That's always the first line of recourse. Do they know of any other instances of this happening? What in their environment is not normal? Do they have access to anything that might cause symptoms of posioning? Any bad or fermented feed? What are you feeding them? Is their water as clean as what you drink?
Havn't contacted the hatchery yet. Wanted to cover all bases before I call. We also received other bantams; milifleur, cochin, and some polish chicks in the same order. They are doing fine and growing. Until recently all were kept together under the brooder lamp. When the first chick acted weird I though it might be a neurological thing. When the second went down they were separated from the main group. When the third started acting strange I separated this one out by itself. Today it seems to be doing fine. Haven't noticed the siezures. Water is changed twice a day. Feed is the chick starter that's medicated. Bedding is pine shavings. After number three acted-up everything was cleaned-up and added new bedding. Thank you for the questions I've been trying to figure out if there is something I've missed.
Sorry, I can't think of many things that would cause a seizure if it didn't come in the feed or water. I'd call the hatchery and see if they have any suggestions. Be prepared to give detailed, factual descriptions of the condition, including duration. It's odd that it seems to be breed specific. That makes me suspicious. Ask the hatchery where they get their eggs. Have them check with the egg supplier and get back to you by a specific time. I'm not familiar with it in poultry, but inbreeding (usually for show purposes)in other animals can cause some really bizarre nervous system problems. This is the only path I can suggest.
Thank you for the responce. I'm planning to call Monday A.M. I'll let you know what they tell me.
Called the hatchery Monday. They have no clue what might be happening. The person I origionally spoke with called back later after discussing the problem with one of the head honchos. Their suggestion was to get the chicks on vitamins, especially E,A and another one, D?. The most recent chick with the bizarre behavior is currently doing fine. I'm going to try a different brand of chick starter. Perhaps something got into the bag at the feed mill. Who knows!
I use Quik Chik from Murray McMurray with layer chicks and Broiler Booster from the same place for Cornish X. I believe in these products. Maybe you will find them useful, or will find another product that works as well. Good luck.
No recent deaths. Have been watching for symptoms. Feed store didn't have the Broiler Booster but there are a few other places I'm going to check with before I call McMurray.
Could this be something in the breed or do we have a contagious disease on our hands?
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