Rooster walking backwards Please Help!

[Bronx girls]

Well, I've always read and been told "it can take awhile", I had a chick get better in 2 days and I had one that took a few weeks then had a repeat at about 16 weeks old and I never could get him back 100%, he managed just fine but his head tipped a bit to the side.

Is he still eating well? Any worse?

I'd keep going with the vitamins, but there is a chance it isn't a deficiency, but if it isn't I'm not sure what else to try.

@TwoCrows @Debbie292d any other ideas here?

He is still eating and drinking very well and crows too his head was never tipped to the side just the crouching and walking backwards almost in a circle I feel so bad for him we’re going to call the vet tomorrow morning to see if they can possibly see him but until then I will continue to give him the vitamins thank you so much!

 

[Bronx girls]

Excellent advice above! Definitely follow the advice from @2ndTink on giving Vitamins, Vitamins never hurt and deficiencies can definitely cause weakness, wry neck and ambulatory issues. The B Vitamins, especially B1 along with E and Selenium are very important for muscle coordination. It can take weeks for the body to respond to added vitamins if there is a deficiency.

I've never a chicken walk backwards however I have had quail do this after a head injury from flying into ceilings, walls, ect... If this is the case it can take a while for swelling in the neck and brain to go down. I would definitely keep him inside somewhere warm (he will heal faster) and keep him in a small space until he recovers, he shouldn't be allowed to back into things and injure himself. One baby aspirin once a day will help with inflammation. (No matter what the cause, Id keep him inside, warm and confined anyway.)

Toxins in grains can cause walking issues as well as can an inner ear or encephalitis (brain swelling) infection. If after you have ruled out all other advice, you might consider toxins or bacterial infection. These are less likely but are always a possibility.

Thank you so very much, yes we have him contained nice and warm inside in a dog crate I wish I could do more I’m going to call to see if the vet can see him tomorrow how do I rule out toxins in feed or encephalitis etc?

 

[Bronx girls]

I have seen this behavior here in a few birds. It's always some irritation on the head. They eventually stop as it gets resolved. They are trying to get away from the pain so they back up and spin, and usually shake their head. Give it time and it should resolve, as long as it's minor. I've seen it most often during a molt, and after frostbite. I've also seen weird behavior if their sight is limited.

Yes he crouches backs up and just walks backwards almost in a circle but never had the head shaking or head tilt I just hope I don’t lose him thank you so much.

 

[TwoCrows]

Thank you so very much, yes we have him contained nice and warm inside in a dog crate I wish I could do more I’m going to call to see if the vet can see him tomorrow how do I rule out toxins in feed or encephalitis etc?

The toxins would probably effect the others so that is least likely. Encephalitis is more difficult to diagnose however if weeks go by and there is no improvement or he gets worse, he could have bacterial encephalitis. A round of antibiotics would help but this is last resort so I'd wait until you have exhausted all other treatments and much time has passed.

Just keep up all the love and supportive care, he knows he's being loved on. I've had birds that were sick for long periods of time with different issues and many of them did heal with time. The body of a healthy bird has amazing abilities to heal if given proper love, care and time.

Definitely keep us posted, I am keeping you both in my thoughts and prayers!

 

[Bronx girls]

The toxins would probably effect the others so that is least likely. Encephalitis is more difficult to diagnose however if weeks go by and there is no improvement or he gets worse, he could have bacterial encephalitis. A round of antibiotics would help but this is last resort so I'd wait until you have exhausted all other treatments and much time has passed.

Just keep up all the love and supportive care, he knows he's being loved on. I've had birds that were sick for long periods of time with different issues and many of them did heal with time. The body of a healthy bird has amazing abilities to heal if given proper love, care and time.

Definitely keep us posted, I am keeping you both in my thoughts and prayers!

Thank you so much for your prayers truly appreciate it. Do you suggest I wait it before taking him to the vet tomorrow see if vitamins work? While I was feeding him today there is a spot above his eye that’s looks a bit swollen under his crown.

 

[TwoCrows]

Thank you so much for your prayers truly appreciate it. Do you suggest I wait it before taking him to the vet tomorrow see if vitamins work? While I was feeding him today there is a spot above his eye that’s looks a bit swollen under his crown.

Vitamins take a while to react, fabulous you have a vet you can take him to! It's possible that bump is where he hit his head. If he indeed did a head bang, it may take a while for the swelling to go down in his neck and head /brain. A couple of weeks at least, maybe more to fully heal. He's still alive so this is a good sign, if he were bleeding into his brain he probably would have passed on by now. Keep him comfortable, warm, keep the vitamins going and make sure he eats a good diet. Extra protein should help with new tissue growth.

Keep us posted after the vet visit!

 

[Bronx girls]

Vitamins take a while to react, fabulous you have a vet you can take him to! It's possible that bump is where he hit his head. If he indeed did a head bang, it may take a while for the swelling to go down in his neck and head /brain. A couple of weeks at least, maybe more to fully heal. He's still alive so this is a good sign, if he were bleeding into his brain he probably would have passed on by now. Keep him comfortable, warm, keep the vitamins going and make sure he eats a good diet. Extra protein should help with new tissue growth.

Keep us posted after the vet visit!

Will do Thank you so very much!

 

[Bronx girls]

Update: So today I was finally able to take my him to the vet I was unable to secure an appointment until today. The Vet examined him from head to toe and took an xray to rule out any lead etc, she was able to see he was walking as if he were drunk, she said the possibility is that it's Mareks because its Neurogical she wanted to know if he had been vaccinated I got him when he was 2 months old (he is 10 months now) but I was able to confirm from his prior owner that he was not vaccinated, she gave him and antibiotic shot that lasts a week and gave him antinflamatory drops for 1 week to see if that helps and have to give her an update next week, so she said to stop the vitamins for now. He is now super aggresive and she noticed this and he has NEVER been aggresive so she thinks it might be due to whatever it is he is going thru, he doesnt want to be held any more and has really gotten me and drew blood as I was trying to place him back in his crate he is tiny and mighty, hope he does not stay this way.

I know so many BYC keepers do not vaccinate their chicks and I honestly really did not think about it, but I want to add to my flock any thoughts on this very much appreciated does this affect the eggs? as I am still learning. Thank you!

 

[2ndTink]

You can do a PCR test for Mareks and other poultry diseases through RAL in Texas, https://www.vetdna.com/ you have to order their test kit, then once you have it, collect your samples and ship back.

Once you know for sure what he has then you can plan your future steps better. You can also test others in the flock as well if you wanted.

If it is confirmed that he has Mareks there are ways to continue keeping chickens and you will find a lot of experience and options here on BYC with Mareks. In general you will find the whole spectrum from culling your whole flock to breeding from resistance, vavvinating and not vacvinating. We all have worked to find what is best for us and our flocks and no option is right or wrong.

 

[Bronx girls]

You can do a PCR test for Mareks and other poultry diseases through RAL in Texas, https://www.vetdna.com/ you have to order their test kit, then once you have it, collect your samples and ship back.

Once you know for sure what he has then you can plan your future steps better. You can also test others in the flock as well if you wanted.

If it is confirmed that he has Mareks there are ways to continue keeping chickens and you will find a lot of experience and options here on BYC with Mareks. In general you will find the whole spectrum from culling your whole flock to breeding from resistance, vavvinating and not vacvinating. We all have worked to find what is best for us and our flocks and no option is right or wrong.

I only have him and now 2 chickens that are 2 years old 1 is a Barred Rock and the other RIR he is the only frizzle I have ever owned, Should I check them for Marecks? I have never had any issues with my chickens my oldest died last month at 9 years old from Cancer this has been all new to me. Thank you so much for all your help.