Rooster shakes head frequently

[kuntrychick]

My RIR rooster (not sure how old he is but I've had him a little over 2 years) does this head shaking thing. Is it something to be concerned about?

He doesn't seem lethargic or anything...acts normal...eating, drinking, mating, etc. Although, a couple of times I have seen him standing with his eyes closed for a brief moment, but then right back to business.

He is such a nice roo & wonderful gentleman to the hens, I don't want anything to happen to him.

Thanks in advance!

 

[justbugged]

Do a search on Gape worm. Basically I would treat with Ivermectin.

 

[magicpigeon]

Quote:
X2

 

[kuntrychick]

Quote:
I will look that up. I can buy Ivermectin at TSC, right? How to treat with it ...does it go in water or on him somewhere or what? & how much of a dose? Do I treat the rest of my chickens too? Thx

 

[kuntrychick]

Hmm...I don't see him gasping for air or anything. I also don't see him throw his head forward & backward. He looks as if he's shaking his head "no". I have noticed that a few of the points on his comb looks a little purpleish.

 

[magicpigeon]

Any discharge from his nose?

 

[kuntrychick]

Sorry...duplicate post

 

[kuntrychick]

Quote:
Haven't noticed any, but will check more thoroughly tomorrow.

 

[dawg53]

Quote:
It is NOT gapeworm, and I doubt it's a respiratory issue. He could be losing feathers in or around his head/neck area due to molt and could be unseen to you...that subtle. Inspect him for lice/mites as well. It's possble he could have ear mites. A couple of drops of vegetable oil from an eyedropper into his ears will smother the mites, repeat a couple more times a week apart if necessary.

 

[Hannah Jesenko]

This is going to sound like a dumb question, but where are the ears on a chicken, I know where the earlobes are, but where is the acctual ear?