Jerky, wobbly head movements, sleepy, not eating 2 month old ????

[Jadnils]

Zoey Update: Zoey is doing a bit better. She is still doing funny head jerking and swinging but is more alert .She can only seem to walk in circles but, she's walking at least ! When she gets off balance and falls down, it takes her 20 or so seconds to right herself. She is eating but falls into her dish and dumps it a lot. I am still hand feeding and watering her three times a day.

 

[leadwolf1]

Have you tried feeding her a mash? I had a silkie chick that showed signs like these but not as severe. I mixed the food in water and added yogurt. It seemed to help him pick the food up and didn't cause such a jerky reaction. Sorry, I should have thought about this sooner...watching the video helped bring back the memories.

 

[Jadnils]

Have you tried feeding her a mash? I had a silkie chick that showed signs like these but not as severe. I mixed the food in water and added yogurt. It seemed to help him pick the food up and didn't cause such a jerky reaction. Sorry, I should have thought about this sooner...watching the video helped bring back the memories.

Yes, I have but she falls into her dish and then it sticks to her and she gets damp...afraid she'll get sicker. I have been hand feeding her a mash consisting of chick starter, scrambled egg, vitamins, vit. E, electrolytes and Tetra. She was struggling harder today when I would pry her beak open so I guess that is a good sign ! Thanks, I might put some yogurt in the mash too.

 

[leadwolf1]

I don't really like bringing this up now that she is getting better but, in case she doesn't make a full recovery or goes downhill, have her necropsied. I'm a little concerned about the neurologic problems and the tipping over....it sounds a little too familiar to me.

 

[Jadnils]

I don't really like bringing this up now that she is getting better but, in case she doesn't make a full recovery or goes downhill, have her necropsied. I'm a little concerned about the neurologic problems and the tipping over....it sounds a little too familiar to me.

I will if I can, thanks. This came on so suddenly though....

 

[leadwolf1]

Most states have labs that will do necropsies for little or no cost. It is the best way to know exactly what is going on. Keep us posted...I hope she does a complete turn around and is up and running in no time!!!

 

[Jadnils]

Zoey is still the same as the other day. I put her outside for a while yesterday to see how she would do. She can only seem to walk in circles. She looses her balance easily and falls down. It takes her up to 15 secs. to get up. She can eat and is very hungry, she ate for almost 2 hrs but I don't know how much she is really getting. When dusk came, she just plunked down in the yard while her buddy went straight into the box. I put her back in isolation for the night.
Should I keep hand feeding her? Should I keep giving her the Tetra? I will def. keep her on Vits. and electrolytes. Don't know what else to do for her....

 

[leadwolf1]

I don't think the tetra is helping, to be honest with you. How long has she been on it now? I'm so sorry, I know how difficult it is to try so hard and have them not respond

 

[Jadnils]

I don't think the tetra is helping, to be honest with you. How long has she been on it now? I'm so sorry, I know how difficult it is to try so hard and have them not respond

Well if it is neurological, you are right, the Tetra won't help but, she did have what seemed to be a cold so I will keep her on it for another few days I suppose for that. She is sleeping in my arms right now, loves to be held. I put her out for a while this morning and she is walking but looks drunk. She is throwing her head around and can't aim very well at her chick feed which is why I'm not sure how much she gets despite eating for hours ( or trying to). I'll keep praying for a miricle and if she stays like this, then, I will continue to pamper her and help her lead a good life anyway. Thanks for the sympathy, it is tough!

 

[Jadnils]

I guess taking care of Zoey will be a lot like taking care of an elderly person or a baby...poor thing, she cannot find the food or water if I don't set her right in front of it! Being so hot in FL now, I have to make sure I do that at least every 2 hrs....