Strange Behavior with Hen

[illinoishiker]

About a week or so ago in early morning when chickens were getting off the roost a hen waited till last. When she jumped off she lowered her head and stuck out her neck and started running backwards. I checked on her later in the day and she seemed normal and looked fine. But it happened again this morning. She is a year old Speckled Sussex. I'm going to check her out and watch her. I don't think anything contagious which is a big relief. I wonder if a disease or some other problem? Checked her out as well as I think I can. Chased and cornered her. She was energetic and good at evasion. Her crop was full. Her eyes clear and ok, outer ears ok, looked in her mouth and looked ok, felt neck and seemed ok. She is not tilting her head like an ear problem. I put her on the roost and she hopped off and ran outside. A brain tumor? Anyone experienced with this type of behavior?

 

[dawg53]

I suspect your hen may have a Vitamin E deficiency. Give her Vitamin E twice a day for 5-7 days and see if she stops walking backwards. If not, then give her Selenium twice a day for 5-7 days and watch for improvement.

 

[illinoishiker]

Ok, I can do that. How much is suggested? Thank you.

 

[illinoishiker]

I have some 400 IU capsules used for scar massage. Is that a good dosage? Thanks

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I have some 400 IU capsules used for scar massage. Is that a good dosage? Thanks

400IU Vitamin E will be just fine.
Give her a little treat of egg daily, this will help with the uptake of E.
Most folks also give 1/4 tablet B-Complex to round it all out.