Has anyone ever had a hen that ran in circles?

[ocb50]

Has anyone ever had a hen that ran in circles? I'm caring for a silky hen for a good friend who is out of town. It just started running in circles a few days ago. could it be going blind?

 

[JedJackson]

Has anyone ever had a hen that ran in circles? I'm caring for a silky hen for a good friend who is out of town. It just started running in circles a few days ago. could it be going blind?

No, never experienced that but maybe others have. It sounds more like a disease than blindness to me.

 

[aart]

Could be a neurological issue, silkies can be susceptible to those.
Is she the only bird?
Is she at your place or at 'home'?

 

[centrarchid]

It can also be an inner ear issue. I have had chicks hatch like that and birds that impacted something while in flight. If recovery to occur, it will not take more than a few days.

 

[ocb50]

Could be a neurological issue, silkies can be susceptible to those.
Is she the only bird?
Is she at your place or at 'home'?

She's at my place right now, and I'm keeping her away from my birds, just in case itis a disease.

 

[ocb50]

It can also be an inner ear issue. I have had chicks hatch like that and birds that impacted something while in flight. If recovery to occur, it will not take more than a few days.

You think a few shots of Tylan may help?

 

[centrarchid]

I never used it.

 

[ocb50]

I never used it.

Broad spectrum antibiotic. I've been using it for years for respiratory infections that chickens seem to bee prone to.

 

[ocb50]

You think a few shots of Tylan may help?

It can also be an inner ear issue. I have had chicks hatch like that and birds that impacted something while in flight. If recovery to occur, it will not take more than a few days.

Centrachid, I think you nailed it. After three days on Tylan (1.5 ml trice daily) she is not running in circles. Still staggering a bit, but a world of improvement. Thanks so much for your diagnosis!