chicken jerking her neck

[SusanD]

I noticed when I put the hens to bed tonight that Red was jerking her neck (it look to me like a hicup or a tic) and didn't seem to be able to stop it. Does this sound like a neurological issue, and if so what would be the next step? I will have her see the vet if she's not better in the morning, but was wondering if there is something I should try in the meantime.

I did get a reply saying that it could be a snick. If so, is that pretty much diagnostic of respiratory issues, or can it be benign?

 

[Ravynscroft]

Check for mites first... mites or lice in or around their ears can cause them to shake their heads a lot... also check for runny nares or any congested sounds in case it is sinus or respiratory infection...

Any chance she was injured? Neurological issues don't usualky just start, there is usually a cause like injury... look for that as well...

 

[SusanD]

Thanks. I suppose there is always a chance she could have been injured. I wonder about that or about the mite theory, as she did seem to get worse when I touched her. She was also stretching her neck out in different directions before the jerking started, so may have trying to get comfortable.

 

[Ravynscroft]

Or something got in her nares?

Just some ideas for checking... if it's something simple, would be an unnecessary vet trip and bill... but if she needs treatment, a vet would be a good idea...

 

[SusanD]

I checked her today, and I didn't see any evidence of mites, sinus infection, or injury. Also, she was moving her neck normally. So, I'm hoping it was a one off.

 

[Ravynscroft]

Oh, I hope so! Could have been a bit of stuck food in her esophagus, or a bug bothering her...