- Jul 18, 2012
- 14
- 3
- 24
My 16 month old Amercuana, Jellybean, started with a swollen eye about 2-3 weeks ago. It didn't look infected, nothing oozed from it. Other than just being closed partially from the swelling we ruled out worms or infection. We figured since she is low in the pecking order she may have been pecked in the eye. After a week of no improvement I started putting neosporin on it per the advice on this boards and other info I found online. I didn't think it was infected but because it was swollen for so long it I figured it wouldn't hurt, right? After 3 days of treatment her eye was no longer swollen and she was keeping it open. During this time she continued to lay and her appetite was fine. About 5 days later she started having what appeared to be patrial blindness or balance issues. She ran into things, fell off small steps, wouldn't roost (I don't think she could.) She also became lethargic sitting by the patio door for hours. Her eyes looked clear, not cloudy or hazy. Her pupils responded to light and were equivalent in size and shape to the other hens. She moves her head away in a jerky fashion when I put my hand near her face. so she seems to see my hand but doesn't respond normally. Her appetite was good and she laid for me yesterday. She seems to be on her usual laying schedule. Her poop looks normal and healthy compared to photos online and my other girls.
Now here's my real concern; her neck seem wry. Either she is turning it to see or she is having difficulties keeping it forward its turned to the side like this:
When she walks her neck doesn't bob back and forth. It's kinda side to side-ish or its low to the ground. When she is looking forward her neck slowly turns to the side.
Her comb and face is redder than usual but not swollen or irritated. The color returned to normal rosy pink color for a little while after she laid. I've got her isolated in the house where it's cool and comfy. I've been feeding her egg yolks, Greek yogurt mixed with her feed, vitamins and electrolytes (for chickens) in her water. I've also added vitamin E and Selenium to her food. Based on my research there's a possibility it could be a vitamin deficiency causing her crooked neck...but she doesn't show any other symptoms. Her appetite is hearty. Her crop empty and fills as it should.
Her neck wander, lack of balance, coordination and energy are what concern me the most. She occasionally wants out in the yard to eat some stones and bugs. She won't dust bathe. She trips over the hose and small rocks. It makes me so sad to see her this way. What's going on with my honey, Jellybean. Any ideas?
Now here's my real concern; her neck seem wry. Either she is turning it to see or she is having difficulties keeping it forward its turned to the side like this:
When she walks her neck doesn't bob back and forth. It's kinda side to side-ish or its low to the ground. When she is looking forward her neck slowly turns to the side.
Her comb and face is redder than usual but not swollen or irritated. The color returned to normal rosy pink color for a little while after she laid. I've got her isolated in the house where it's cool and comfy. I've been feeding her egg yolks, Greek yogurt mixed with her feed, vitamins and electrolytes (for chickens) in her water. I've also added vitamin E and Selenium to her food. Based on my research there's a possibility it could be a vitamin deficiency causing her crooked neck...but she doesn't show any other symptoms. Her appetite is hearty. Her crop empty and fills as it should.
Her neck wander, lack of balance, coordination and energy are what concern me the most. She occasionally wants out in the yard to eat some stones and bugs. She won't dust bathe. She trips over the hose and small rocks. It makes me so sad to see her this way. What's going on with my honey, Jellybean. Any ideas?
