Wry Neck
Wry Neck
Crook Neck, Stargazing, Twisted Neck, Torticollis
Crook Neck, Stargazing, Twisted Neck, Torticollis
What is it: Wry neck is when a chicken’s neck and head gets stuck in an abnormal position. Oftentimes, the chicken’s head will be positioned in a way that it is looking upward. This most commonly affects chicks, but can affect adult chickens as well[1]
Causes:
- Most commonly a vitamin E deficiency[2]
- Genetic disorder[2]
- Head injury, especially in silkie and polish chickens[2]
- Incubation problems[3]
- Ingestion of toxins[1]
Symptoms:
- Neck contorted into an unnatural position[1]
- Can’t keep balance[1]
- Stuck looking upwards[1]
- Difficulty eating and drinking[2]
Prognosis: Prognosis is very good if treated promptly and consistently. It does not resolve quickly, so the chicken may require extra care in the meantime.
Treatment:
- Separate the chicken to minimize stress and to prevent injury from other flock mates.
- Increase the amount of vitamin E, vitamin B-1, and selenium the chicken gets. Selenium is needed for good vitamin absorption. Caution: Vitamins can be overdosed! Follow the instructions for the supplement you get. This can be done in the following ways:
- Giving a vitamin E and vitamin B-1 supplement with selenium for chickens in the form of a powder or pill. If you can’t get one with selenium, you can give a 25mg selenium supplement tablet. You can also give some cooked egg to go along with the vitamins instead of the tablet, because egg has good selenium content.
- Giving food items that are naturally high in vitamin E and vitamin B-1, and giving the egg along with it for selenium.
- Examples for vitamin E: spinach, asparagus, broccoli, dandelion greens, etc.
- Example for vitamin B-1: Brewer’s Yeast, cereal grains and their by-products.
- Helping the chicken eat and drink may be required due to its neck being twisted.
- It may take up to a month for recovery. After the chicken recovers, continue giving supplements for 2 weeks.
- Sources
Prevention:
Sources:
- Previous page: Gapeworm
