Odd behavior

[starrdice]

I posted this picture over in the breed and gender forum and some people said it is not normal behavior for the chicken to run backwards with its head down. Also they said it looks sick, can anyone help?? it eats, drinks and poops normal. we just got them sat from a farm and its approx 5 weeks. Also it poses like this when i try to take pictures unless its eating.

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated!!

 

[countrygoddess]

I'm no expert, but I wonder if it's some kind of neuropathy? Maybe due to a vitamin (folic acid, maybe?) deficiency? I also saw something online about a feed additive that when mixed in in the wrong proportions causes arsenic poisoning, basically, which causes neuropathy. I'm not saying that's what it is, because I really know nothing about that except what I read just now in the articles. If it was me, I wouldn't spend the money on a vet, but instead would just watch it and see what happens (of course, I wouldn't allow any kind of suffering). But you may want to have it looked at by a professional if it's very worrisome to you.

 

[starrdice]

I have separted it from the others, and put ACV in the water s/he seems to be holding up its head higher then yesturday. but it still runs backwards. today I purchased some vitamins i will see how that turns out!

 

[countrygoddess]

Good luck!!

 

[starrdice]

Update! Day two of vitamins and stretch is holding its head up higher! also i gave it mealworms yesturday which s/he had to run backwards to eat, today no running backwards to eat them!

 

[countrygoddess]

Wow! That's awesome!! I'm so glad your baby is getting better.