Birds neck curved under belly

[abelseville]

I've done some searching but I can't figure this one out. Last night we were moving a flock of about 70 4 week old delaware chicks. One was moving erratically with it's head permanently in a position against it's chest Like it was completely obsessed with preening it's underside. We Isolated right away. This morning it is in the same condition. It is not listless. Poop is normal. Everyone else is normal. Any Ideas? Is this contagious? - Thanks

 

[jerseygirl1]

Wry neck? Not sure, search on here for it, maybe a vitamin deficiency, sorry, I really don't know but it does sound like wry neck

 

[jerseygirl1]

Found this post, hope it helps

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=3747539

Please post how you make out!

 

[MissJenny]

Try poly-v-isol children's liquid vitamins WITHOUT iron. The other treatment I've seen is vitamin E gel tabs. Puncture the gel tab and dribble the liquid in the chick's beak.

Let us know how this baby does.

Jenny

 

[abelseville]

Thanks guys! Sounds like it isn't contagious anyway which is always my biggest fear. I put a high dose vitamin/electrolyte supplement in it's water. It's eating and drinking now. Definitely not listless. It's such strange behavior though, Like it has OCD about preening it's belly.

 

[crittersitter]

Sounds like wry neck. just be careful that you don't overdose her on elctrolytes. A little bit goes a long way. start her on the Polyvisol WITHOUT iron. 3 drops once a day. it's in the baby section of your local cvs,walgreens,etc.I am treating one of mine for wryneck right now and she's been inside for 10 days. doing much better now. i also read that you should continue the vitamins for 2 weeks AFTER she starts showing improvement. Just be sure she is eating and drinking also. A scrambled egg and some yogurt is a good boost. keep us posted

 

[abelseville]

Ok, She is running around her tub full speed BACKWARDS with her head down between her legs. Then she lands on her back and can't get up. Still wry neck?

Ive got VI - TAL supplement in her water at 1/4 teaspoon to a gallon.

 

[crittersitter]

Here is an old thread that got me through my ordeal with my chick. Is yours doing whats in the video. Sorry it's a long thread but i found it to be quite helpful.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=253674

 

[abelseville]

Thanks crittersitter - Great link! That is exactly what he is doing. Ill give him a few days on vitamins.....

 

[crittersitter]

my girl never got that "extreme" but I decided to treat her as though it was. It's been a slow recovery but she is improving daily. Hope yours makes a clean recovery as well