Hens are Jerking heads

[RanchoPacifico]

i have 16 young hens 24 to 29 weeks old. The last few days I have noticed several are starting to jerk their heads. The behavior reminds you of how one would shake their head when water is stuck in your ear. Has anyone experienced this behavior with your chickens and do you know what this is sympom of? Thanks for your help!

 

[Eggcessive]

Welcome to BYC. Chickens will shake their heads for a variety of reasons--respiratory disease, frostbite, mites and lice, and young chickens will do it when their feathers are growing in. You can check their ears with QTip, and look for symptoms of respiratory disease such as cough, sneeze, runny nose, wet eyes, swelling of face and eyes. Check their combs and wattles for symptoms of frostbite.