Strange/Unexplained Head Ailment

[LateBirdFarms]

It would also be a shame for others if he had contributed to any egg or chick sales if they had high hopes of breeding any genetic line of his just to have a strange disfigurement show up in all their chicks come the next generation. I know it's not always pleasant to hear others opinions, but no one was rude or anything but honest. I don't recall seeing anyone suggesting you cull either, we're not heartless. Again, best of luck.

 

[Feathers & Friends]

I didn't call anyone heartless, but the focus became breeding advice which wasnt why I created the post. I appreciate pointers but if the responses are missing the objective of my post and focusing on aspects that distract and deture others the main objective then I shouldn't be scolded by attempting to redirect the conversation. My intentions were not to dismiss or discredit anyone, it was simply to redirect, as I am still seeking advice. Yesterday I picked him up and he had a bad episode that totally broke my heart. It seems to happen if I catch him off gaurd vs. if he knows im trying to pick him up. His head just kept spinning back then around in circles as he started gasping for air, closing his eyes, and trying to get out of my hands. He eventually calmed down and stopped. He kept his eyes closed, I couldnt tell if he felt relaxed and comforted because I was petting him or why he wouldnt open his eyes. I apply vitamin e oil about 2x a week to his bald spot. He doesnt like the oil but feels relaxed that he's getting some TLC. When I feel his bald spot, it may feel slightly raised? Its hard to tell, nothing was obvious. Are there parasites or vitamin deficiencies that could cause this?

 

[aart]

Are there parasites or vitamin deficiencies that could cause this?

Maybe nutritional issues with the parents.
Could be from genetics and/or incubation issues.
Chick has a physical defect with the skull and brain,
I don't believe anything will 'fix' it.

 

[Feathers & Friends]

@aart Thank you for your pointers...So it sounds like its genetic most likely? So offspring would have a high chance at having the same ailment?

 

[theoldchick]

Sounds like he's having seizures. He might have a skull abnormality that has affected his brain. Years ago I had a dog that would spend hours staring at the floor. Turned out she was having some sort of focalized seizure. I had a cockatiel who had seizures which presented by the bird spinning around on the floor of the cage. When chickens display neurological signs it is common to add B vitamins to the diet or by injection.

https://www.merckvetmanual.com/poul...ens, a deficiency,as sources of methyl groups.

 

[aart]

@aart Thank you for your pointers...So it sounds like its genetic most likely? So offspring would have a high chance at having the same ailment?

Yes, if it is genetic offspring could inherit(providing this bird ever reaches sexual maturity) ....if it was a incubation issue, then no.

 

[Feathers & Friends]

Thank you @aart and @theoldchick . Im going to try and take a video. He doesn't usually have the "seizures" on his own. The most he does is fall over trying to scratch his head. Its when I pick him up by surprise or when im holding him and he cant reach his head to scratch it that he has the seizure like behavior. I don't know if this helps narrow anything down, but but his feathers have never completely grown in around his head, even though he has reached adulthood and sexual maturity. I actually had a customer ask me if he was part turken last week.