Coturnix hen acting drunk?

[MrsPbio]

One of my coturnix hens began acting very weird
This morning. She walks around all puffed, especially her rear back,
And she seems to stagger like she is drunk. She pants alot. She just laid an egg early this morning or during the night.

When I pick her up, her legs twitch erratically . What on earth is going on?
I have quarantined her .

 

[sniper338]

thats weird.. I usually see panting when they get hot during the day... any lack of water? dehydration does a toll on the quick...

 

[TwoCrows]

She probably hit her head on the ceiling. This can cause brain damage and swelling or even spinal cord injuries.

Separate her from the others. Keep the bird in a warm area tonight if it is going to be cool. (below 70) She may get cold if she goes into shock. Put 3/4 teaspoon of Apple Cider Vinegar in a 1 quart waterer and fill with water. This will help to reduce any swelling. Change and make new daily.

Dip her beak in this water often to make sure she is getting it into her system. Many times sick or injured quail will not eat gamebird food. So feed her what ever she will eat....chopped hard boiled eggs, mash potatoes, quartered fruit is excellent to feed as it keeps the blood sugar up in the brain....just feed her anything she will eat for now.

Keep her comfortable and that is all you can do. Sometimes these birds make it and sometimes they don't.

Keep us posted and I hope she pulls thru.

 

[MrsPbio]

A boink crossed my mind. Fortunately by this afternoon she appears normal again.
She is alert, curious, eating and drinking. Her legs are steady too. So if she did get boinked, it appears to be mild.

Thankyou.

 

[TwoCrows]

This quick recovery is common with head boinks. Depends on how hard they hit.

So glad your bird has recovered!!!