Chicken heat stroke?!?!

[okie-chick93]

My silkie hen is fairly young. Less than 2 years, and today I noticed she was holding her head funny and to the left. Every couple mins she would fling it backwards. I went to go grab her and she ran about 3 feet fell to the left and was still trying to run and flapping her wings. Is this some kind of stroke?! What's happened to her?! I'm here in Oklahoma and yes it's been hot but they have plenty of shade and water. I picked her up and she wouldn't lift her head straight up just held it funny and to the left. Seemed uncomfortable if I tried to help move it. PLEASE HELP!!

 

[Kiki]

Look up wry neck.

Can you start her on vitamin supplements asap?

 

[okie-chick93]

I can. But I looked it up and I'm not sure that's it. It's not that twisted and she stands and walks fine it's just when she runs. And she's panting constantly it seems. Although there's tons of shade and fresh water in the backyard. But I can put some in the water right now

 

[rebrascora]

It could also be Marek's Disease. Silkies are particularly prone to it although she is beyond the most vulnerable age range for it. Have you added any new birds to the flock in the last few months?
Regardless of the cause, giving her a good quality vitamin supplement, particularly containing B complex vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin E and selenium, is the best you can do and keep her calm and safe and well fed.... a probiotic might be a good idea or fermenting her feed if you don't already.... all your chickens would benefit from it and it is easy to do. Stress suppresses the immune system, so keeping her as comfortable and happy as possible will help.
Good luck with her and keep us updated with her progress please.

Best wishes

Barbara

 

[okie-chick93]

I'm adding some pics. I only have 2 silkies they r my pride and joy. I love them to pieces. (They r a bit dirty from all the rain we have been getting) but it's hard to tell until I hold her. But she constantly holds it to the side. Doesn't walk funny. Just when she runs she falls to the left (the way she holds her head) I put the vitamins in the water. They live a very stress free life. I have a pen for them but leave the gate open so they free range in the backyard all day and go in and out of their own and coop as they please. I also feed them daily. They sometimes don't even eat it all. I've been giving them watermelon since i assumed it would b a good treat with it being so hot out. They have it very good here. I hope it's nothing I've caused.

 

[okie-chick93]

And no new birds have been introduced.

 

[Alizey]

Giver her some b12 supplement it's good for nervous system and neck disorders is she eating and drinking normally?

 

[Kiki]

You will need a supplement containing Vitamin 'E' and, if at all possible, selenium. Vitamin 'E' is the main cure; selenium helps the chicken to absorb it.