HELP! LIMP NECK!

[MaritimeFlock]

At some point overnight one of our roosters developed a limp neck. He is unable to lift his neck fully. I thought about wry neck at first. Although, his neck is not rigid it’s limp.

Any ideas?! I would try the vet but there are not vets that will see him as he is a chicken! Do you think this could be botulism?! I am not sure how get would get it though.

 

[azygous]

Believe it or not, a chicken can eat the wrong bug and get botulism bacteria.

If this came on suddenly, it can be heat stress, vitamin E deficiency, an avian virus.

By treating for the simplest possibilities first, you can start ruling things out. Is he conscious? Try mixing a cup of water with a teaspoon of sugar stirred in with a pinch of salt and baking soda. Hold him in your lap and hold a cup so he can dip his beak in it. If he's completely paralyzed, you may need to tube it into his crop. Or at least syringe it. While you have him in your lap shove a vitamin E capsule into his beak. If he becomes more alert and can eat, give him a soft boiled egg to eat.

Do you have any antibiotics on hand? If so, what are they? It wouldn't hurt to treat for a bacterial infection if you can.

To syringe liquids safely, do it as this photo shows,avoiding the airway in the center of the throat.

 

[MaritimeFlock]

He have been treating him. He has been getting electrolytes, vitamin e, and scrambled eggs. We have his regular feed in his cage. He is regaining strength in his neck.

 

[MaritimeFlock]

He is feeling much better today! I will probably keep in inside for another day to just monitor him a bit more. But he is doing really good.