Found injured chick in coop, not bleeding (pics)

[Lyndzie]

This morning when I let the chickens out of the coop one of my 7 week old silkies was laying on the ground, appearing dead. She was breathing, with a small bit of blood on her neck, but no outward appearance of injury otherwise. I brought her inside and have her in a broody box to recuperate.

So, here is what is throwing me for a loop. Could this be a result of pecking from a larger chicken? We have a very alpha female, but there have been no major issues with her regarding the chicks (which were raised with the flock by a broody hen). Otherwise, I have no idea what could have caused this.

Her neck is bent at a weird angle. She will straighten it up, but will then will put it back at that odd angle. It does not appear broken, she can move her wings and legs. Any ideas about that?

How do I get her food and water? Should I add anything to the water, provide medication, etc? What kind of food?

Thanks in advance for any ideas!

 

[KOdin]

Oh wow, poor lady! I’m sorry, maybe she got trampled or something just odd. Definitely keep her separated to recoop, I hope she makes it!

If she’s not eating or drinking herself, I would put water on your finger and dip it on her beak. Unless you have a syringe. I’d probably make her food into mash just in case her neck is hurt and large pieces of food may hurt

Hopefully others may have better advice but that’s what I would do.

 

[Lovem all]

I can't see the phoots. if her neck is bent maybe a preditor tried to get her.

 

[Eggcessive]

Sorry about your silkie. Is there any way a small predator could have gotten into your coop? It may be hard to know if another chicken attacked her, but that sounds possible. It sounds like she has symptoms of wry neck (torticolis,) a neurological condition that can happen with a head injury, a vitamin deficiency, or from a disease, such as Mareks. I would keep her separated in a dog crate with food and water. You will need to make sure that she is getting enough food and water. It might be good to make a small bowl of chicken feed mixed with water, and a bit of scrambled egg and offer it 3 times a day. Vitamin E 400 IU would be good to give orally every day for the wry neck. Was she vaccinated for Mareks disease? If she has any cut on her neck, apply some antibiotic ointment or disinfectant. Here is a video of feeding a silkie with wry neck:
https://www.google.com/search?q=fee...ideo&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en-us&client=safari

 

[Lyndzie]

THAT’S IT! Wry neck explains everything!! She probably got trampled when everyone left the coop for the day. Gosh, I am so glad I posted on here. She’s not vaccinated - we hatched her out here with a broody hen.

I can definitely feed her scrambled eggs and mash. How do I give her the vitamins?

 

[Eggcessive]

You can pop it into her beak to swallow, or squeeze the E on a bit of food. Let us know how she gets along.

 

[Lyndzie]

Today’s update: this morning she was sitting somewhat upright on her own, her neck so much better. She still is struggling to hold it upright, though. I have not given her Vit E yet, I accidentally ordered the wrong thing from the store and it’s a bit harder than usual to get supplies due to the pandemic. Maybe this is an injury after all? Gosh, I need a vet manual.

Today’s challenge is to get her to eat and drink. Dehydration is going to be a deal breaker soon. I mixed some electrolyte solution and added sugar for calories. If anyone has some tips or tricks, I’m all ears. Tried scrambled egg and wet mash, but no go.

 

[humblehillsfarm]

Hopefully she keeps improving for you! You're doing a great job taking care of her.

 

[Eggcessive]

There are foods high in vitamin E that can be tried in moderation. Sunflower seeds, chopped almonds, spinach, broccoli, and salmon are good choices. Watery foods can get more fluid into her. I would try spending some time holding her and trying to get some foods into her beak.

 

[Lyndzie]

Here’s an update: so, it is an injury, not wry neck. She’s making slow progress. I’m glad I have pics of her from day one to really show how much things have improved. She still has a lot of neck weakness, but can eat off a plate if I hold her upright. She started eating and drinking on day 3, and right now she can eat off a plate if I hold her upright. Hopefully these little improvements continue and she’ll be able to live an independent life.