Crook cock

[James L]

Hi
I was hoping Simone may shed some light
I have a silver laced Wyandotte rooster
I've been away for three days with the kid from next door letting him and my others out during the day and on my return I found him under the house lying down stretched out
On dusk he came out and made his way to the coop but his head is hanging low and it would appear that his shoulders or top of wings are hunched a bit and lop sided
The side changes depending on which foot he has forward
He still has an appetite but will only make the short journey from under the house to the coop and back again
I'm wondering if this seems like a physical injury
My chooks have been known to cross the road occasionally and we do also have birds of prey in the area
The rest of my chooks are healthy and happy
Please share your wisdom

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I might think an neck or spine injury if everything else seems okay.

Otherwise things like botulism come to mind, which is sometimes called limber neck due to it causing paralysis to the neck, but generally they aren't walking either. That's from consuming spoiled feed or carrion fed maggots.

 

[James L]

Thank you Oldhenlikesdogs
I tend to agree with you as he has plenty of lower body strength to jump up into the coop
Thank you for your help