Why are my chicks dying with droopy wings, paralysis, and neck arching?

These are neurological sign affecting most likely long nerves of legs. Marek disease (virus) is one of the most important differential to be ruled out at this stage. Isolate the chicken affected from the flock and as prevention you could use vaccination. Differentials that must be ruled out are lymphoid leukosis, botulism, deficiency of thiamine, deficiency of Ca/Phosphorus/Vitamin D. Discuss it with your local veterinarian.Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

Thanks for reaching out about your chickens. Is there a diagnostic service in your region that can help with a necropsy? Newcastles is a possibility, but other bacterial or viral etiologies are possible. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about this. Are we talking about chickens. No sure what diseases are prevalent in Africa but if multiple bird dying simultaneously, concerns would be around a viral etiology. Many countries have national veterinary diagnostic laboratories that might help with a diagnosis. Once a diagnosis is concluded, a treatment plan can be implemented. Isolation and quarantining any sick animals is important to decrease cross contamination. Good luck.

Hi and thank you for your question, It does sound like a respiratory infection, possibly viral. I would involve an avian/poultry vet to have some samples tested. If you have more chicken please keep those separated. If it is viral it will not respond to antibiotics, but some recover on their own. Regards

It could be infection, congenital defects, environmental issues (too cold) simply parental inexperience. Post mortem exams and diagnostics on the chicks may provide an answer. It is difficult to determine cause from an image. Consider giving the hen a rest from breeding. Clean and sanitize the cage, bowls, toys and perches. Discard anything that cannot be sanitized. Clean and sanitize the nesting boxes or replace them entirely. Speak with local breeders to determine if this is not an isolated issue. They may also be able to provide helpful tips or insight.

I'm sorry to hear chicken was paralyzed from her illness. You can try keeping her separate from the flock with her own pen and access to food and water that is low to the ground. Low perches and nest boxes may also help. However, if she is kept with the flock, the other birds may pick on her if she seems "different" and can't keep up, which may lead to additional injury. If she is getting picked on, keeping her separate is needed. If she's not in a predator-proof area and can't move around well, she is also going to be a bigger target to predators, so that is something else to keep in mind.

Thanks for reaching out about Dawn and including photo. Could be either. With the twisted neck and clenched right foot, a neurologic condition is likely. Congenital/development problems or diseases such as paramyxoviurs, PBFD, bacterial meningitis, are all possible. A veterinary visit is recommended to assist with a diagnostic/treatment plan. They could be pushing her out of the nest due to her condition, and might need hand-rearing. Good luck.