Hand feeding... how long?

PianoChickens

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Dear all,
I have a rooster with very bad wry neck. He is pretty exactly one years old. I discovered it 7 days ago Saturday. He seemed out of balance and distressed. He quickly went downhill from there. On Tuesday I was able to take him to a vet. She suspected it was viral, did not give much hope, but gave him a shot of steroid and he perked up enough to eat well that night, however, since then he has been again slowly declining, perking occasionally to eat. Since he cannot stand, I feed him by hand by just holding a bowl in front of him to eat and drink, or I feed him from a gardening glove, which seems to be easier solution for him at times. It has been a week of hand feeding, with not obvious progress on him getting any better. This is my first year of chicken keeping. Do you have any experience on a situation like this? How long do I keep going until it is simply inhumane to prolong his suffering and indignity? Advice? I have three hens, all seem healthy and one is hatching. I should have baby chicks in about a week. Thanks!
 
This article has good information on wry neck. It is worth reading.
I haven't dealt with it myself but I trust the author of that article enough to recommend trying the vitamins recommended in it.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/wry-neck-causes-treatment-and-prevention.67732/
Thanks! He actually seems better since yesterday, though not at all well yet. Over the weekend I was sure I would find him dead any moment or at least take him to the vet to be put down on Monday, but he does seem like some progress is being made, so I will keep feeding slowly and surely. He was today even quacking at his hens nearby. :)
 

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