Weird erratic neck movement?

[melanienew]

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.

I'll definitely try that. It's really unusual for them to run out of food because my mom and I stay on top of it. You don't think she's in any immediate danger though right? I would hate to lose any of them

 

[melanienew]

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.

I'll definitely try that. That makes sense because it's really usual for them to run out of feed like that since my mom and I stay on top of it. You don't think she's in any immediate danger and that it's just nutritional right? I would just hate to lose any of them

 

[junebuggena]

Fingers crossed it is just nutritional. Makes the most sense at this point, and it's treatable. Might want to deworm her just to be sure to cover all your bases.

 

[melanienew]

Fingers crossed it is just nutritional. Makes the most sense at this point, and it's treatable. Might want to deworm her just to be sure to cover all your bases.

What is the process for deworming? I've never had any issues like this before and I just have the 3 chickens so it's not a big flock

 

[junebuggena]

Here's a good thread with all sorts of worming info. Types of dewormers and dosages.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/worming-with-wazine.221808/

 

[melanienew]

Here's a good thread with all sorts of worming info. Types of dewormers and dosages.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/worming-with-wazine.221808/

Thank you so much! I really appreciate all the help. I'll keep you updated with how she's doing tomorrow when I see her

 

[Eggcessive]

Melanienew, that really looks strange. Sometimes it is hard to tell normal adjusting their crop from a neurological disorder. A leaking air sac under the skin from an injury to her neck was what I first thought when seeing the video. Maybe she has air in her crop, but it is something I have never seen. I would catch her asleep on the roost at night, and feel of her neck for the bulging or air under the skin, and feel of her crop. Her crop should feel empty first thing at daylight before she has eaten.

 

[CrowHollowFarm]

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 agree, it looks like the air pocket is moving around. But it may still be something clogged up not allowing feed or air to pass through the throat.

 

[melanienew]

I agree, it looks like the air pocket is moving around. But it may still be something clogged up not allowing feed or air to pass through the throat.

How can I resolve this if that's what the issue is?

 

[Eggcessive]

I would first try to determine if the problem is air under the skin, or something in the crop. If she does it only when eating, it may be crop-related. If it is done all the time, it could be crop or neurological. But I have never seen this before. A vet visit might help if you cannot figure it out. With crop problems, massaging the crop, feeding fluids and a little plain yogurt may help. TwoCrows has a good article about "treatment and prevention of impacted and sour crop problems," which you can do a search for here on BYC.