Broken Neck?

[bart40330]

I went out to this coop this morning to feed, water, and check for eggs, and I noticed that one of my three month old silkies was just laying there. He didn't jump up and come for food.

I looked at him and he couldn't hold his head right. He was all off balance and it looked like his head was upside down! He rolled around and flogged and carried on when I sit him down.

It sort of looks like his neck is twisted. Could his neck be broken? He has no outward signs of damage - no blood or scratches. I am afraid to put him out of his misery in case it is something that he is going to snap out of. Muscle spams? Cramps?

Any ideas?

 

[AussieSharon]

I am not an expert on silkies but I had a young pullet who developed neck problems. I gave her a vitamin E capsule that I cut the top off and put in her mouth twice a day for about 10 days. It seemed to correct the problem. Good luck.

 

[BeckyLa]

Yes, I have read that PolyVisol (?) childrens vitamins, that you can pickup at the store, do a great deal to help Silkies. Also, here is a thread of a similar problem that may give you some ideas:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=108272

 

[silkiechicken]

Head injuries are quite common in silkies and other crested breeds. One bad peck or bump and can cause brain damage because of their vaulted skulls and exposed brains. Best of luck!

 

[swtangel321]

Could you get a pic of him and his problem ?? I had this happen to one of mine a while ago, might of been for different reasons but couldnt figure it out either.

 

[bart40330]

I got home last night at about 9:00pm and checked on him. He was still the same.

I came out this morning at about 11am and expected to find him dead. However, he is doing much better! He was holding his head right and now wallowing around off balance. He ate and drink some water. He still seemed lethargic and sore, though.

So I have hope that he is going to get better. Maybe he sprained his neck or something?

 

[momofsamjontori]

I am going thru the same thin right now with my rir. I did a little researcha nd it is very common in silkies - it is called wryneck or crookneck. I am nursing mine back right now. I just got the polyvisol w/o iron and the softgel vitamin e capsules. she went from completely twisted to now she can hold it up to drink a little and peck at the vitamin e and swollow the polyvisol. She still is not eatting which worries me but I had another than had just started doing the same thing and he is back to normal in just 2 days of vitamins. Good Luck!!!

 

[redhen]

Quote:
Hi, how do mean the brains are exposed?...like a soft spot a newborn baby has?...i am just curious because i own a silkie, thanks

 

[swtangel321]

Quote:
Well, I'm glad to hear he is doing better. Who knows what the issue was, a lot of odd things happen to chickens !!

 

[bart40330]

He's doing a little bit better today. I have been feeding him chick starter feed because of the higher vitamin content.