HELP!! My chickens aren't able to keep their heads up!

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Horselady1, how are the chickens? They are still at the age when coccidiosis can be a problem. Treating with Corid for it won't harm them if it could possibly be what is make them weak and have drooping necks. There have been a few cases described like this, and even though it may be wry neck, I would probably treat them any way.
 
We had a barred rock hen who became lethargic and was dipping her neck up and down. I called our vet and he said that he sounded like limber neck (botulism) and said that she probably got into something rotten, such as a dead frog, etc. When I came home from work this morning, she was dead. The other chickens seem fine, so I'm inclined to think that it WAS limber neck. The vet said that there was nothing we could do, but maybe some of the suggestions here would work. Too bad we didn't know what to do before we lost the hen.
 
shovis said:
We had a barred rock hen who became lethargic and was dipping her neck up and down. I called our vet and he said that he sounded like limber neck (botulism) and said that she probably got into something rotten, such as a dead frog, etc. When I came home from work this morning, she was dead. The other chickens seem fine, so I'm inclined to think that it WAS limber neck. The vet said that there was nothing we could do, but maybe some of the suggestions here would work. Too bad we didn't know what to do before we lost the hen.
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Welcome to BYC. There really isn't much you can do for botulism since it takes so little of the toxin to kill. An epsom salt flush is about all you can do, and give supportive care to help them eat and drink. Most die within 12-24 hours, but if they live for 48 hours they will recover with support. Sorry for your loss.
 
My chickens have gotten better!! They are fine now and none are showing signs of anything! Thanks so much for the help!
 
You should get a stool sample to the vet ASAP! You can not treat properly without knowing what it may be. Coccidiosis will be obvious. Does not sound like a vitamin deficiency, that is not contagious. If you can't get a vet. I would tries with corrid....can't hurt
 

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