Wry crook neck silkie chicks

[nuggetomletegg]

Thanks, I am feeding him a vit B compound, so hopefully have all levels crossed there, but not thiamine!
I am using a feed called, fancy chicks, chick crumb, got the most expensive hoping it would be the best!

 

[drumstick diva]

Sounds like you are giving him all the supplements that are usually recommended. I don't know the dosages for prednisone. Aside from that you can try gently massaging neck a few times a day, working it toward the correct angle if he doesn't object.

He may also do better if you raised the heat somewhat- I think you said he was 4 weeks old. Generally they start in the brooder at 95 degrees and you reduce by 5 degrees every week, so it should be 80 degrees at this point unless you live in a really warm climate.

Maybe you could temporarily switch brands of feed to see if that makes a difference. I'm still thinking nutritional deficiency .

My friend had a more severe problem with her silkie male years ago. He not only had the severe wry neck, he walked backwards, he would have seizures with his body getting so hot, she said it felt like he was burning up. She would cool him down with water and put him back in his crate so he couldn't injure himself flailing about. He is several years old now and doing fine. She doesn't remember the "AHA" moment when she realized he would be okay but, he was a sad shape for quite a period of time.

 

[Fancychooklady]

Thanks, I am feeding him a vit B compound, so hopefully have all levels crossed there, but not thiamine!
I am using a feed called, fancy chicks, chick crumb, got the most expensive hoping it would be the best!

Brewers yeast, marmite and chia seeds are all high in thiamine B1.
I agree with Diva, change the feed.

 

[scratch'n'peck]

I have to admit, I find Wry neck confusing. I just don't know how much a congenital factor like a vaulted skull and nutritional factors like thiamine and vitamin E interact. Diet certainly isn't the only factor certainly considering that your other chick is doing ok. But like you said in an earlier post you are willing to try what you can to help your chick.

 

[nuggetomletegg]

Hi, the overall temp is around 70, as they are in the house! But the heat spot is still hot! And I am keep them in low light, only natural, no bright lights!

I went to the farm shop today and was very disappointed with the selection. The fancy breed feed I have, alongside a none branded looking version was all they had!

Any recommendations for a good crumble that I can get In the uk?

There seems to be ups and downs here, today we had a very low point when he has got stiluck upside down with his head in the water looked so tiny and helpless... Luckily there is only a shallow feeder!

Then later on whilst holding him he ate some scrambled egg of my hand all on his own? Which was a fab sign!

So just taking it day by day

 

[subhanalah]

If you try fermented feed, you could even feed the lower quality crumble and it not be too bad for them. In a pinch anyway

 

[nuggetomletegg]

I am worried about fermented feed! Just in case I do it wrong and start growing some 'bad bacteria' too!!!

 

[subhanalah]

It's really hard to mess it up as long as you just use food and water. You will smell if it smells rotten, very different from the sour/vinegary smell of good FF.

 

[Fancychooklady]

Hi, the overall temp is around 70, as they are in the house! But the heat spot is still hot! And I am keep them in low light, only natural, no bright lights!

I went to the farm shop today and was very disappointed with the selection. The fancy breed feed I have, alongside a none branded looking version was all they had!

Any recommendations for a good crumble that I can get In the uk?

There seems to be ups and downs here, today we had a very low point when he has got stiluck upside down with his head in the water looked so tiny and helpless... Luckily there is only a shallow feeder!

Then later on whilst holding him he ate some scrambled egg of my hand all on his own? Which was a fab sign!

So just taking it day by day

I keep it nice and simple while they are young. Chick crumble on free take , scrambled egg as a treat and slowly introduce them to a soft mushy pear and banana . A slice of multigrain bread will soon be devoured. Be mindful that they are voracious little raptors and will give anything a go. Keep it small and soft to prevent choking . Lucky you knew to keep a shallow waterer.

 

[nuggetomletegg]

Would just like to say thank you to all for your advice and kind words.
We are now down to every other day meds and doing well!

Would not have believed weeks ago she would happily be strolling along outside! Things got really bad at one point and she just kept dragging her head along the floor in circles. She still has a small crook in her neck but I think that is here to stay! She is the one at the back in the pic, still a bit smaller than egg, but think he is a rooster!


Thanks again

Amy