wonky silkie

[epmchickens]

Hi everyone. I'm new here and I'm worried about one of my little silkies. He's about 4 weeks old and on and off for the past few days he has been shaking his head. It seems like after he scrathes an itch or stands up after a nap he cocks his head back and forth for a minute or so and can't get his balance. He isn't sick. He's eating and drinking and running around but he does this head thing. Any ideas? I've had chickens for almost 6 years and I have no clue.

 

[loveourbirds]

not sure how to cure it, but is there something in his ear?

 

[epmchickens]

I'm not sure how to check..... he doesn't seem distressed by it because he just gets up and goes when its over but I worry about him being targeted when I add him to my older flock. Any way to get a good look inside?

 

[loveourbirds]

that is a good question, the only time I had it happen was a piece of bedding and I could see it when I looked at his head. but im guessing a good bright light and magnifying glass. a good pair of tweezers might come in handy, be careful the worst problem you will probably have is not poking it in the eye when you are working with it.

 

[epmchickens]

Thanks. I'll take a look today and see what I can see.

 

[epmchickens]

Well... I didn't see anything in his ear but i guess the good news is he's doing it less. He took a "dust bath" in his bedding today and was normal right after. Maybe he got pecked a little too hard on the head by someone else? I have an OEGB hen in the brooder with him and she likes to let everyone else know how tough she is. In a very lady-like way of course.

 

[Woodysgirl29]

I have a silky hen that is normal most of the time but randomly she cocks her head to the side and shakes it like crazy sometimes multiple times a day. She has done it since she was around 4 months and she is now just over a year. I don't know why she is like that I have 4 others hatched at the same time and none of them do it. Otherwise all good she eats, forages and lays.

 

[epmchickens]

Nobody picks on her? That's my concern with this guy. Do you think it is a weird thing with silkie makeup? All my others are fine like yours too.

 

[Pigeon Power]

I had a silkie that did the same thing and have talked to a number of people who have raised chickens for 30+ years seems that the breed has neurological problems...I won't worry about it unless it starts affecting quality of life...

 

[epmchickens]

That's good news. Poor birds. Can I breed him or should he be another pet rooster do you think?