Hen shaking head, loss of coordination

[Sunflower24]

Hello!
My hen is acting very strange and we do not have a local vet that treats chickens. When we pick up her up, she tucks her head under her body and starts violently shaking her head. If we set her back down, she continues to do that and struggles to get up. Sometimes, we’ll see her standing somewhere with her head drooping down to the ground. She is eating and drinking okay, and still roams around throughout the day pecking at the grass. It almost seems neurological, but I’ve seen some things online about sinus or respiratory issues being possible. I have no idea what we should do. I’ve started giving her Poultry Cell directly by mouth, but truly don’t know how else to help her. We first noticed this at the beginning of April, but it has increasingly worsened. Video attached.

 

[MysteryChicken]

Thinking possibly brain injury due to the way she's acting. Brain injury is common with Vaulted Skulled breeds such as Polish.

 

[Sunflower24]

Thinking possibly brain injury due to the way she's acting. Brain injury is common with Vaulted Skulled breeds such as Polish.

That’s what I’m worried about. The first time I noticed it (first week of April) family was visiting and their kids had been playing in the backyard with the chickens. One of the kids came in laughing and said that she was disoriented and kept dragging her head after dropping her to the ground, and I instantly panicked that they had injured her. She seemed to be fine afterward, but then started having random moments here and there of doing that. As of 2 days ago, it’s gotten pretty bad.

 

[MysteryChicken]

That’s what I’m worried about. The first time I noticed it (first week of April) family was visiting and their kids had been playing in the backyard with the chickens. One of the kids came in laughing and said that she was disoriented and kept dragging her head after dropping her to the ground, and I instantly panicked that they had injured her. She seemed to be fine afterward, but then started having random moments here and there of doing that. As of 2 days ago, it’s gotten pretty bad.

Supplementing with Vitamin E may help lessen the Neurological side effects abit.

 

[Sunflower24]

Supplementing with Vitamin E may help lessen the Neurological side effects abit.

Will start that immediately. I really appreciate your quick responses.

 

[LaFleche]

Your hen is in dire need of a "hair cut".

To me the motion she was showing when picked up, just seemed a friendly way to get your fingers off her chest.

To be sure, check her for lice and poultry mites allover (crest!) and add some poultry vitamins to their drinking water (Vit. B complex, D3, E+A).

When did you last deworm her? Worms can lead to nutrient/vitamin deficiencies that have them struggling with coordination among other issues.

 

[MysteryChicken]

Will start that immediately. I really appreciate your quick responses.

Okay, you're welcome.

 

[Sunflower24]

Your hen is in dire need of a "hair cut".

To me the motion she was showing when picked up, just seemed a friendly way to get your fingers off her chest.

To be sure, check her for lice and poultry mites allover (crest!) and add some poultry vitamins to their drinking water (Vit. B complex, D3, E+A).

When did you last deworm her? Worms can lead to nutrient/vitamin deficiencies that have them struggling with coordination among other issues.

Thank you! This breed is new for us and I had no idea I could cut her hair. Will do your suggestions. What type of dewormer do you suggest?

 

[LaFleche]

Thank you! This breed is new for us and I had no idea I could cut her hair. Will do your suggestions. What type of dewormer do you suggest?

That depends, as some de-wormers might not be available where you live.

I use Flubenol 5% powder: 1,2 g per kg feed well mixed in for 7 consecutive days. No other feed or treats on the side during deworming.

If you live in the US, you could use Safe Guard liquid goat dewormer (Fenbendazole)or similar:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/worming-chickens—medicines-and-dosing-information.73369/