Weird erratic neck movement?

[melanienew]

I noticed one of my hens was twitching her neck in a very strange sideways motion while I was hand feeding her treats today and I'm worried she's injured or sick. This hen was as of recently not doing well as she was extremely broody and would not leave the nesting box to eat or drink and was also missing feathers on the top of her head and neck. She now has feather regrowth, and is eating drinking and socializing but I have never seen that sort of behavior before so I'm extremely worried. It almost looks like there's a bulge or deformity on her neck under her feathers. I'm attaching a YouTube link of her behavior. I really appreciate any help anybody is able to give.

 

[FloridaChick88]

Is she twitching her neck like this constantly or only when she eats/drinks?

 

[melanienew]

Is she twitching her neck like this constantly or only when she eats/drinks?

constantly

 

[rebrascora]

Have you tried to palpitate it and if so, what does it feel like?
I was expecting this to be a crop impaction, especially since she has been broody, which can slow the crop down and cause sediment to settle at the front from lack of movement, resulting in a pendulous crop and often they do a funny neck movement to try to get things moving but that is really extreme and it is on the wrong side for her crop and almost looks like there is something alive in her neck trying to get out....she hasn't swallowed a little frog has she?

 

[rebrascora]

The other option is that it is an air pocket, where there has been a small rupture of an airway and the skin surrounding it is inflating and deflating as she breathes, like a little balloon.

 

[Yorkshire Coop]

Have you tried to palpitate it and if so, what does it feel like?
I was expecting this to be a crop impaction, especially since she has been broody, which can slow the crop down and cause sediment to settle at the front from lack of movement, resulting in a pendulous crop and often they do a funny neck movement to try to get things moving but that is really extreme and it is on the wrong side for her crop and almost looks like there is something alive in her neck trying to get out....she hasn't swallowed a little frog has she?

I was thinking just the same, it looks like something is stuck in there?

 

[melanienew]

The other option is that it is an air pocket, where there has been a small rupture of an airway and the skin surrounding it is inflating and deflating as she breathes, like a little balloon.

I haven't tried touching her neck at all. I'm pretty sure there was a point where she stopped moving and her feathers laid flat and it didn't look raised. Unfortunately I'm on the way to work now and won't be able to see her until tomorrow

 

[junebuggena]

Crop doesn't look to be a problem. Maybe something nutritional? What do you feed?

 

[melanienew]

Crop doesn't look to be a problem. Maybe something nutritional? What do you feed?

This is the feed we give them and we always give them mealworms for treats. We've never had a problem with this feed as we've been using it for years. When I went to fill up their food today the feeder was empty and they looked hungry so maybe that might have something to do with it? Hopefully it'll get better by tomorrow. I'm just hoping she's not choking on something or have some sort of parasitical issue or neurological issue all the sudden

 

[junebuggena]

This is the feed we give them and we always give them mealworms for treats. We've never had a problem with this feed as we've been using it for years. When I went to fill up their food today the feeder was empty and they looked hungry so maybe that might have something to do with it? Hopefully it'll get better by tomorrow. I'm just hoping she's not choking on something or have some sort of parasitical issue or neurological issue all the sudden

Since she's recovering from brooding and regrowing feathers, could be that the layer feed just isn't cutting it for her. Maybe switch to a higher protein feed like starter or flock raiser till she's back in good condition.