2 Yr Old Roo (Silkie) Walking Backwards

[splashie]

Yesterday my husband treated our silkie pen with Wazine 30 ml per gallon of water for 48 birds.

Today, all are fine except for our 2 yr old blue splash roo, who is crunched down and walking backwards.

He has no injuries with his neck, we have checked him over and over.

One other thing that I noticed this morning is that his crop is empty.

We have since separated him and he's resting comfortably in his own little pen with fresh water and layer crumbles (he just started eating). We also gave him Gro Gel Plus.

I suspect that he drank more than the other chickens and overdosed on the Wazine, but I don't know how to treat him. I've already searched for "Wazine Overdose" and could not find any solution or symptoms.

Or could it be that he was just bullied and no able to get the proper nutrition from the food.

The silkies are in a huge pen with a straw floor and a huge house for shelter.

I would be more than happy to answer any additional questions to solve this mystery and save our Roo!

Any help would sure be appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

Debi

 

[Msbear]

Do some research on Wry neck. That's what it sounds like to me. He would need vitamin supplements pronto! Try feeding him some wet mash with a syringe to keep up his energy.

 

[threehorses]

I'd agree that if he doesn't eat and drink, it would be wise to get him to get something in him. Does he feel thin to you? His keel?

It's possible he overdrank. I don't think I've ever consciously thought about it, but that might be one of the reasons I worm in the spring and fall. I think ages ago I was told it was the time to do it. I assumed it was just because of being after and before winter, but now.... this might help others. However Wazine is pretty safe...

He also might be overheated. You could try giving him some electrolytes though, in the summer, I personally choose to use a lower dosage (like 1/4th of their recommended) or use apple cider vinegar for its potassium content. (Organic because of the way it's made which effects its contents. 1 teaspoon per gallon of drinking water.) I also think it's a good idea to offer non- electrolyte water as well so the birds can choose. They're good at regulating themselves.

Your boy might be too weak and worried about himself to eat, so I'd agree with the wet mash. You can put it in the side of his beak so that you don't aspirate him. heck he might even appreciate the wet mash enough to eat it on his own. Don't make it too wet at first - you can always add water but it's hard to take it out.

Boiled mashed egg yolks might tempt him, too.

Vitamins wouldn't hurt as worming time is stressful. I always personally give yogurt or a good prepared probiotic after worming to boost the gut bacteria in case worm die off harmed them.

And that's another thing - this could be worm die off, although wazine is so mild that it's unlikely. That's actually why we use wazine or a less effective wormer first - to kill some but not all of the roundworms. You'll want to follow up in 2 weeks with something more broad spectrum. (Wazine is only effective against roundworms to my knowledge and then requires more than 1 treatment).

Also, rule out parasites. Pick him up and check for nearly microscopic mites, etc. Especially around the vent area. It might be that he has them and that they brought him down enough to where the stress of the worming pushed him to this. It's a good thing to always rule out when you have a 'drunk chicken'. Or really any ill chicken.

Just some thoughts.

 

[splashie]

Thanks for the reply MSbear and Threehorses!

We were able to get him to take some Poly-Vi-Sol.

I did see the postings on Wry Neck, but he doesn't seem to have any of those symptoms.

He is eating well and is sitting in the corner of his cage and still trying to walk backwards. Although he is not drinking properly.

He seems to have no interest in water so I have to trick him into drinking the water.

He is very alert, and he actually started moving around, he ended up sitting in his water bowl, it was actually funny, where I had to take a photo!

He's not jerking his head around or anything, normal head movement.

His crop was empty when we first brought him up to the house, he as eaten a lot since then and now has a full crop.

I will follow all your suggestions and post an update. Thanks so much for the responses, we really do appreciate your help!

Debi