Six-month-old rooster's sudden imbalance and head turning

[dotsmom]

My one and only roo, Henry, was on the floor of his coop this morning, crouched, going around in circles with this head twisting back. He is a large Buff Orpington. I knew something was wrong when he didn't crow and when he let me pick him up.

He was outside yesterday and looked fine.

I have isolated him in another small coop with water and a bit of cracked corn. I put olive oil in his ears, thinking he might have an ear infection because he was off balance. He breathes in short breaths, but is not wheezing or coughing. When I touch his chest, he raises up.

My friends who have chickens have suggested injury from night frights, poison (maybe he ate something he shouldn't have), and Newcastle's (oh, lord, no).

He's resting quietly, but still has the head turning as he breathes.

I have called the local farm vet, but this is his sale barn day. Any insights, suggestions, dire predictions?

 

[denasfarm]

Some where on here (about a year or more ago) I posted a vid of my silkie rooster doing the same thing. I kept him locked up for about six weeks and he recovered fully. I did have to assist him in eating and drinking for about a week.
About a week ago his head started twisting back again so before it could get worse I went ahead and put him seperate. He seems fine today...I think its from him sparring with another roo and getting banged in the head...but I could be wrong!

 

[Malibu99]

Could it be Wry Neck? That's all I can think of.

 

[dotsmom]

Sorry...what is "wry neck"? I can google it, I'm sure.

He seemed fine yesterday. A friend mentioned that he might have hurt himself if he had a night terror or something. I guess I'll have to make him a yard for this coop I have him in. But he won't like being separated from his girls. I'm just hoping it's not something contagious or deadly.

Thanks for your replies.

 

[dotsmom]

I posted on another thread regarding "black bumps on a rooster's comb." Some of my hens have dry fowl pox; I'm fairly certain of that. I haven't noticed black bumps on the rooster, but I'll check tomorrow. He could have wet fowl pox. I'm going to try the vet again in the morning.

 

[Bloomin' Chickens]

It's definitely wry neck or star gazers. I've been posting on another thread about this with another member. You have to separate her from the others, keep her warm and start pushing Poly Vi Sol (no iron) and vitamin B. Use a syringe mix together the poly and disolved vitamin B 3 and administer by syringe at least 3 times per dayt. It takes awhile and it gets worse before it gets better. Keep giving vitamins in water dish for a couple weeks after she gets better so it doesn't come back

 

[dotsmom]

How do I figure the dosage?

 

[dotsmom]

And you do mean I need to give it to him orally, right? No way I'm giving shots!

 

[dotsmom]

Good news! Henry the Roo crowed this morning, several times. He's eating and drinking, strutting around his run like the proud roo he is.

I tend to overreact when my children and animals are sick. I'm thinking he ate something he shouldn't have, or he hurt himself some way. I'll keep him isolated for another day, then put him back with his girls.

Thanks for all your help and advice!