Confused Silkie-Please Help!

[jojov]

Hi, I'm new to the forum, but I have been searching everywhere on the net to find an answer to my Silkie's problem. None of her symptoms seem to match any of the diseases I've read about. She's at least a year old (we found her stray in an urban area!) and about 2 weeks ago she started seeming confused- walking in circles, arching her neck down between her breast and seemingly trying to scratch so intently that she would actually flip over on her back! Now, in addition to that, she walks with her neck arched over to one side (the left) and even when she eats or drinks she holds her neck kinda sideways. She's still confused and now it almost seems like she's having a hard time seeing. She'll actually walk up to a wall and seem surprised that it's there at the last minute before she walks into it She also has green liquid poops. I have other birds that are fine (2 Cochins and a Jersey Giant). They all free roam during the day and my area is kinda residential. I'm thinking it's either a toxin (fertilizer or pesticide) but more likely a disease affecting her brain since she never leaves the property and we don't use anything toxic here. Any ideas anyone? I hate to lose this little girl- her story is special and so is she! Please help! Oh- the only thing that has changed around here is we have now adopted a stray domestic bunny that has also fallen in love with her and the two actually sleep together! Bunny came around right around the same time her symptoms started. Don't know if that means anything, but I'll add it if it helps!

 

[robin416]

Silkies and their nuero problems. The first step is to start supplementing her with vitamins, Avia Charge if you have it. Squirt some vitamin E into her mouth for good measure.

Then its time to decide to remove her from any contact with the bunny. Since the symptoms appeared when the bunny did that would be the first thing to look at. Does the bird have access to the rabbit's food? If she does then she's eating that and not the balanced food Silkies need so much to remain healthy.

She might be pecking at droppings that are affecting her. The list could pretty long and its going to be a step by step process to eliminate the problem. None of these things will correct the problem, it takes days. Heck, she might even be older than you think she is.

 

[jojov]

Thanks so much for the input. What about antibiotics or medicated feed? I have already "quaranteened" her so as not to infect the other birds and to keep her from the bunny (he's heartbroken!) so i guess it's just trial and error from here. I didn't realize Silkies were such high maintenance birds- but from what I have learned from her, well worth it!
I am still open to any other suggestions and advice. Thanks to all who can help.

 

[robin416]

All I have are Silkies and they can be a problem when it comes to nutrition.

I also noticed I made a couple of typos, I should not try to think too deeply first thing in the morning. Should have said, she may be eating the bunny feed and droppings. And I should have said none of the fixes will appear to work right away.

I would say no to the antibiotics for now, medicated feed is simply for young birds to prevent an over load of cocci. I would boil up and egg, chop it up and give it to her. Is she eating and drinking on her own? That's something to watch closely for while she's like this. You might have to hand feed and water until she can get this better under control.

When did you last worm and what did you use?

What are you feeding her?

Silkies can get like this from either a head injury or as I noted feed problems. There is a different treatment for head injury but has its own price to pay because it involves steroids that's why I recommend taking this path first.

 

[jojov]

Thanks again for your input. Since my birds free roam all day, I really only give them a variety of laying pellets, sunflower seeds, and they have access to the neighbor's bird feeders. All of my other birds are healthy, but I'm sure that they are a lower maintenance variety. I've had my Jersey Giant for 5 years and she lays strong and healthy every year- so do my Cochins. And actually, the Silkie was too up until this point of illness or whatever. I did notice her droppings are normal in appearance today, although kinda small. I'm sure that's from her problem eating. I don't think she can see too well and she's pecking sideways. She seems to be hanging in there. I don't know how much of this could be caused from the bunny since she starting showing symptoms the day he arrived- not enough time to have an accumulative effect- and he free roams all day too so there isn't an accumulated pile of his droppings any place in particular. I will try your nutritiion suggestions though- that's a very good possibility. Maybe not enough protein in the winter. Thanks again and I'll keep posting updates. It's worth it if it helps someone else with a similar problem.