Neurological issue?

[aalbury]

Hello,
One of my 2 month old pullets suddenly yesterday didn't seem to be able to lift her head. At first it looked like she was tucking it down and to the side. We brought her inside and with light beak tapping were able to get it back up right. Now she is kind of bunched up like she's afraid to move, but her head is upright again. We are dropping water on her beak and she is drinking it. Her eyes are clear, no diarreah or anything, vent is clean and clear. I just want to be sure she doesn't have anything contagious and also would like to save her as she is more of a pet to my daughter than any of the other chickens. She's always been different - unafraid, easy to handle and touch - but about a month ago - began cocking her head sideways or even sometimes starting to turn her head upside down sometimes when looking at you. I kind of thought she was imitating us leaning down to look and say hello to her, but now? Something is very wrong and she obviously is not well. Does anyone have any ideas or know or experienced anything like this?

 

[easttxchick]

Is this a silkie? Almost sounds like it could be wry neck. Do a search and see if maybe the symptoms match your birds.

ETA-Sorry, I reread what I posted and I sounded like an unsympathetic jerk!
My sister is going through wry neck with her silkie chick right now and is treating her with vitamin therapy(her chick was even walking backward) and she seems to really be improving.
Good luck with your chick!

 

[aalbury]

Not a silkie - she's a mutt out of a barred roo and Americana. Yes! I think that's it! But she's not eating at this point. Gawd I hope I'm not too late....

I just read an old thread here that talks briefly of the treatment and mentions spinning. I now know this is genetic in her case as I remember her mother spinning a lot as a chick. Her (the pullets mam) name is Psycho, though she never got the wry neck, this is her chick. No more Psycho babies for sure, she will retire to the laying flock only.

Thank you very much for your response, I will try the vitamins today if I can find them!

 

[easttxchick]

My sister mixes the meds in with yogurt and some of the chick food. Her little silkie was resistant at first, but is eating it like a champ now.
If you can possibly get some PolyViSol without iron, you can try dribbling a drop(or maybe it's 2) on her beak until you can get the other vitamins just to jump start her and maybe get her eating.
Be careful as they can aspirate pretty easily.

 

[aalbury]

Thank you again! I hope she makes it!

 

[easttxchick]

Keeping my fingers crossed for you and your baby.

 

[aalbury]

Quote:
Thanks! Me too!


I just went an ordered a book on Amazon called The Chicken Health Handbook!

Gosh I wish I'd known about it sooner! I'll be checking this forum A LOT more often just for this reason.

Off to the feed store to see about the vitamins!

 

[M@M@2four]

Get some polyvisol drops and give her a couple drops 2-3 times a day. I would separate her if you haven't already as she is likely to get trampled by the others. Good luck!

 

[aalbury]

M@M@2four :

Get some polyvisol drops and give her a couple drops 2-3 times a day. I would separate her if you haven't already as she is likely to get trampled by the others. Good luck!

I just ordered the Avia Charge 2000 for overnight delivery! Going to get what I can find right now - Polyvisol - do they make it for chickens or do you mean the baby vitamin? She was seperated immediately - she's in my daughter's room in a crate.​

 

[easttxchick]

It is a liquid baby vitamin. You can get it at any pharmacy or Walmart along with the other vitamins she needs. Just make sure it has NO IRON-that's toxic to them.
Keep us posted please!