Rooster Shaking Head

[BigBlueHen53]

I've only witnessed this with cockerels as they come into adulthood or soon after becoming adults, so assumed it was a 'testosterone overload' thing.

Thank you. Sometimes I sure wish I could just ask the chicken "what's up with that?"

 

[LaurasNew]

He might have had some problems adjusting his crop which can lead to the headshaking and snakelike movements of the neck and head.

Hi, I just got this rooster today. He's 12 months old and has been free ranging all his life. The previous owner said these movements were normal for him. Is he adjusting his crop? If so is there anything I can do/provide to help him? Thanks in advance

He might have had some problems adjusting his crop which can lead to the headshaking and snakelike movements of the neck and head.

 

[LaFleche]

Hi, I just got this rooster today. He's 12 months old and has been free ranging all his life. The previous owner said these movements were normal for him. Is he adjusting his crop? If so is there anything I can do/provide to help him? Thanks in advance

His movements don't have anything to do with crop adjustment.

In your short film he appears to be walking a bit unstable.

I would check him for lice or mites and inspect his ears for inflammation, crusts or maybe some dirt or grass seeds.
Also check the inside of his beak and down to his throat for anythink stuck, lesions or whitish/yellowish masses.

While he is in quarantine you can deworm him and also treat for external parasites.
Adding some poultry vitamin supplement to his drinking water would help him to adjust.

 

[LaurasNew]

His movements don't have anything to do with crop adjustment.

I would check him for lice or mites and inspect his ears for inflammation, crusts or maybe some dirt or grass seeds.
Also check the inside of his beak and down to his throat for anythink stuck, lesions or whitish/yellowish masses.

While he is in quarantine you can deworm him and also treat for external parasites.
Adding some poultry vitamin supplement to his drinking water would help him to adjust.

Ok thank you, they said he has always done this! I'm not too used to handling roosters but I will do my best to check these things first thing tomorrow

 

[LaFleche]

Ok thank you, they said he has always done this! I'm not too used to handling roosters but I will do my best to check these things first thing tomorrow

Health checks and treatments are best done at night as you can just grab the bird from the roost without having to chase it. Wearing a head lamp will make it easier leaving both hands free to hold the bird