Strange Head Twist/Tilt-Stroke???

[Kimmi500]

Hi everyone,
I have a wonderful Blue Americauna pullet. She is 16 weeks old and was home hatched/raised by me. She has been perfect up till today. This morning she was perky and happy, running around, eating and drinking normally. When I went out to check on everyone after supper, I noticed her laying next to her coop with this strange head tilt. She cannot hold her head at a normal angle anymore, and she has very little balance. The head tilt is so severe that she can point her beak straight up to the sky. I have never seen anything like this, could this be a result of the extreme heat we have had in VA over the past weeks. Or could it be a stroke?? Any thoughts on what this might be or how I can help her? She is one of my favorites! Here are some pictures of her. Thanks for reading and any advice!
Kim

 

[leadwolf1]

Search wry neck. It is a vitamin deficiency. You can easily cure it with poly vi sol vitamins and vitamin E.

.5mls poly vi sol daily...making sure it does not contain iron.
400ius vitamin E twice daily.

I hope this helps. The only other thought is that she in some way injured herself. I would start the vitamins and see how things go. You will need to bring her inside and provide her with a safe place until she is better.

 

[Kimmi500]

Wow! Thank you so much! I moved her inside so she will be safe. I will get her started on the vitamins tomorrow. Thanks so much!

 

[leadwolf1]

You are very welcome!! I hope you have good luck with the vitamins

 

[EggieRowe]

Found this thread because I have an australorp with the same symptoms. How do they develop this deficiency? I only have one hen in 21 afflicted and she's one of the heftier ones - so definitely getting her fill. Are there any other causes or should I suspect my feed?

 

[EggieRowe]

Not to hijack, but I treated my "crazy head" hen with vitamin e and polyvisol drops for about 3 days. During the day I let her stay outside the coop where she could hear companions. It seemed to lessen her anxiety attacks when it wa time for the drops. The 4th day I put her in at night to sleep. I added a vitamin supplement to the coop waterer on the 5th day and let her stay in the coop full time. I gave a vitamin e capsule a few more days. I can barely tell which chicken she is. I think my hen may have had brain trama vs an infection. The day I found her twisted up one side of her head was scraped up and bloody I'm the 'ear' area. (I applied Neosporin the first 4 days.). That side looks like scar tissue now or maybe a small tumor. Either way, she's holding her own and quiet people friendly now. Only when she gets super excited does her head tilt a bit, but has no problems getting to treats or water first.