Is mild spots of head shaking due to feathers growing in?

[portianaomi]

I've noticed that my sizzles are shaking their head occasionally. I don't see any bugs. Is this normal when they get new feathers in after their first molt?

 

[chicmom]

That's not really normal. I would take a good look at them and check for any signs of an illness like nasal drainage or watery eyes. They could have picked up some type of germ that leads to a respiratory or nasal/sinus symptoms......Also, check for parasites again. some parasites are very elusive......

Good luck to you!
Sharon

 

[Carrie Lynn]

Aren't there some mites that live in/around the ears?

 

[peepacheep]

I have an EE that started shaking her head and stepping backwards when she dropped lots of feathers a few weeks ago. Her appetite also dropped way off, she was going to roost at night with very little in her crop. Have had her indoors for 3 weeks. Her appetite has improved and feathers are coming in well. The head shaking and backward stepping has eased up considerably, now it happens occasionally after swallowing food. Her mouth looks fine, no signs of lice or discharge. Not sure if it is a crop, molting, or mite issue. If it is mites what is recommended to control them?

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

I was just telling someone else about my experience with this:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=5233395#p5233395

 

[peepacheep]

ChickensAreSweet, Thank-you! That sounds like what she has, right down to the pale comb. Will track down one of those mite treatments.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

Quote:
You are welcome!