Should or can I stabilize injured hens neck?

[JLMetz]

Hello all, long time lurker, finally registered for some help. We are not new to chickens and treating injuries but I can't find anything in reference to this specific question. We've been dealing with an insanely stubborn mink (maybe just insane?), went from 14 to 7 hens, the surviving hens are all in the house now dealing with minor to major injuries. One of the hens has what I can only guess is nerve and/or muscle damage as she can't hold her head up very well. I've done everything that should be done in terms of treating the wounds themselves but I can't seem to find anything about whether or not her neck should be stabilized to allow for better support and to keep her neck in a better position while healing. Given chickens can be picky about stuff near their heads and necks I'm guessing it may not be something she'll like but if it makes a difference for healing I'm willing to try. This injury happened Saturday night (Sunday morning), she's been willingly drinking an electrolyte water mix with help from a syringe and today took a few bites of food on her own with my help in supporting her neck and chest but it is a bit hard for her. This is why I'm asking, she's young not even a year old yet, she's clearly making an attempt to stick with us, and while her head is very wobbly if she tries to move on her own she is still trying very hard and is successful if I'm helping support her. I don't mind 24/7 care since I'm home all the time but if stabilizing her neck is something you all feel would be more beneficial than I would like to give that a go. Also what would be best way to stabilize or will I just have to go with trial and error? Thank you in advance for the thoughts! Vet is not an option as there is only one "vet" that handles chickens in the area and she has a long track record of being horrible/dangerous to animals in general but especially birds. I have attached photos and links to a video of her eating as well as one with her trying to control her head. The lighting isn't great in the bathroom so I apologize for the grainy quality. https://www.dropbox.com/s/ey0vbmkat5pnhd1/Twilight eating.wmv?dl=0

ETA: Link to second video https://www.dropbox.com/s/mqnbexjqhxt1wnz/Twilight moving.wmv?dl=0

 

[rebrascora]

I've seen the cardboard centre from a toilet roll used, so you might try that and see if it helps at all. I think they had snipped the bottom end a few times to flare it out and possibly the top at the front for the head to hang over the top edge.
You might want to give her a vitamin B complex supplement and possibly vitamin E too to help with neurological repair.

Good luck with her and the rest of your flock.

 

[JLMetz]

I've seen the cardboard centre from a toilet roll used, so you might try that and see if it helps at all.

Thank you, I was thinking either toilet paper roll or something similar to the pool noodle stuff (much thinner though) that we have laying around.