7 month old hen recurring twisted neck and one sided weakness

[PTmomof4]

My 7 month old silver laced Wyandotte, vaccinated as a chick and had been doing well (I think she was even the layer of our double yolk eggs!) until one week ago when I found her in the coop with her neck all twisted lying on her side with her legs sticking out. She was unable to move on her own.

I brought her inside and checked this site for info and found helpful links to dlhunicorn's dandelions and dragonflies's site. I immediately gave her the contents of one Vitamin E capsule and she appeared to perk up, but was still a bit tilted when she roosted. I also started her on 4 drops of Poly vi sol and again, she perked up even more. Eventually she was able to eat and drink and walk on her own. We kept her inside for a week to keep tabs on her .

We gave her this same dose of vitamins each day for 7 days. She was still walking funny with a weakness on her right side - but she was holding her own. We slowly reintroduced her to the flock (none of the other 7 are affected) a few days ago when we thought she might be out of the woods but - Again, this morning found her presenting the same way on her side. I feel so helpless. How long do I need to continue with the vitamins? Is this a curable condition? I a bit confused why the vitamins are helping (is it a vitamin deficiency?) She eats the same pellets the other hens eat.

She has not laid an egg since this started. Should I just keep doing the vitamins? Will she ever be cured? How long do I need to continue with the vitamins? or should I just have her slaughtered (eek!)

Thank you for any advice you can offer! It is my first year raising chickens and I do "Fawn" her to get better - but is it realistic to medicate your chicken every day for the rest of her life?


I have pics - but site won't let me post as this is my first post!

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ps044
This website has diagnosis charts at the bottom, and twisted neck is one of the symptoms you can look up.

This website has crookneck treatment info- click on the left column where it says crookneck.
http://www.browneggblueegg.com/Article.html

 

[Minniechickmama]

I have seen this in my rabbits and we call it wry neck. In rabbits it is caused by an inner ear infection that as it advances causes them to lose the ability to navigate and breaks down their equilibrium. I also know other animals can get the same thing. Perhaps it is that? I don't know, but if it gets worse, I would put her out of her misery.

 

[PTmomof4]

Thank you Chickensaresweet and Minniechickmama - I appreciate your responses.

I checked out those links from ChickensareSweet and they are very helpful - it looks like I may need to continue with the vitamins for a few more weeks. I may have been premature in stopping them.

MinnieChickmama- I thought about an ear infection, too - definitely something to keep in mind as the cause.

I appreciate any and all input - It so nice to be in an online community with fellow chicken lovers - your feedback is so helpful!

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

Quote:
I hope your little one gets better!!!