Why the heck is my girl dragging her head?

[jen0402]

So I'm not sure what is going on with my girl but I noticed that she was acting broody so I had been bringing her out myself. Then would make sure she ate and stuff but when I fed her she would do the wiping the mouth thing but then she started dragging her head across the yard while backwards scooting! She then immediately jumps back in the coop. I have NO CLUE what is going on. Has anyone had this happen to them or know what the problem is? I just want her to feel better.

 

[aart]

Welcome to BYC!

Well, that is a strange one.
Has she done this repeatedly?
Any chance of video?

How old is this bird?
Is she laying?
Why do you think she's broody...is she staying in nest most the day and all night??

More about your flock and coop/run(pics really help here) might help us help you solve the problem.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I have a couple of older roosters that are mostly blind. They routinely walk backwards with their heads down as well as they will high step when walking sometimes. So perhaps your hen can't see well.

 

[mg15]

She very well may need Poultry Vitamins drop directly on her tongue several times a day.
get them immediately so you can see if she will improve.

 

[jen0402]

K so this a mild version of what she was doing. I guess dragging seems more intense than what is going on here.

 

[jen0402]

Has she done this repeatedly? Yes, for the last 2 days.

How old is this bird?
Is she laying?

Video:

How old is this bird?I'm not sure how old she is. When we got her they said she was young but I dunno about that.

Is she laying? She has, but not for the last couple of days.

Why do you think she's broody...is she staying in nest most the day and all night??
She would stay in all day and night if I let her. I think it's because she's not wiping her face the whole time while she's in there so she's finding comfort in that.

More about your flock and coop/run(pics really help here) might help us help you solve the problem. I will post these as well as soon as I get home. I really appreciate the help!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

It looks like something is causing irritation. Have you checked her beak, inside and out? Have you checked for mites? She is shaking her head a lot as well so she could have parasites. I would give her a good inspection.

 

[aart]

It looks like something is causing irritation. Have you checked her beak, inside and out? Have you checked for mites? She is shaking her head a lot as well so she could have parasites. I would give her a good inspection.

Was thinking the same thing......something is irritating her head/sinuses maybe.
Could also be a neurological thing......the walking backwards is often that.

Good info and vid @jen0402 <thumbsup>
Not sure what the deal is, wish I could be more help.
Vitamins is always a good first try for neurological problems.

Maybe look thru some of these threads:
advances search>titles only> walking backwards

 

[jen0402]

How do I know which vitamins to give her?

 

[jen0402]

Also, i just treated her with ivermectin and dusted her. I have to check her again when I get home. How do I hold her beak open to get the vitamins on her tongue?