Wry Neck in my Adult Silkie

[DWilkins]

I would go for the 18% All flock but you will need to provide them with a separate source of calcium in a small dish near to the feeder where they can help themselves when they need it. Usually this is in the form of crushed oyster shell but you can also offer them dried, crushed egg shells, which they usually take more readily either scattered on the ground in their pen once or twice a week or in a separate dish. The reason for this is that laying hens need calcium to make egg shells. All Flock does not contain as much calcium as layer feed so they will need a supplementary source of it.

Thank you! I do feed them Oyster Shell.They aren't as interested in it in the feeder, so maybe I will try dried,crushed egg shells scattered in the winter run.

 

[rebrascora]

They do not need to eat a lot of it, so don't worry about how much or little calcium supplement they eat, just as long as it is there for them when they do need it.

 

[DWilkins]

Thank you for all your valuable information. I am going change the food ,keep giving her the supplements and pray for the best. I am fearing that it may be Marek's.My other hen seems fine. She has always had a funny head movement when we got her.It's like she is trying to listen to you talking to her.Kind of like a rotation type head move. She does this when I talk to her. Has never shown any signs of a neurological disease.This morning Lexi was standing up with her head up.Will she improve? Hard to say...I will be hoping for the best.I Don't want to see her suffer. I get so attached to my critters and losing them devastates me. My husband tells me that I love animals more then most humans.Smart man.

Hatti is still giving me eggs. Usually in the winter here in Iowa ,my hens usually stop. Guess she has a mind of her own ♥♥

 

[Shadrach]

I just want to add that sudden changes in diet can cause health problems.
May I suggest that you buy one of the balanced feeds mentioned above and start by mixing say 20% of the new feed with the scratch, increasing by 10% each couple of days.
Making a mash (just add enough water to the feed so that the dust in the feed is picked up if you buy a crumble rather than pellets) helps to stop the situation rebrascora mentions above of the chickens picking out the 'best bits'.

 

[Eggcessive]

I think that the 16% layer feed or the 18% flock raiser will be fine. The 16% has all the calcium needed, while your oystershell will give them the extra calcium needed for the 18% all flock.

If they seem reluctant at first to eat the new feed, just mix a large pan of it with a lot of water for a few days (change it daily so there is no mold.) Also, have the dry feed available, and they will start eating it.

 

[DWilkins]

I am happy to report , Lexi is showing marked improvement! I know it isn't Mareks disease and for that I am relieved.She is standing up and holding her head up as well.Her neck is no longer cocked to one side.She is eating well.I have noticed one thing that I didn't notice this summer when they were able to free range and that is my other hen is picking on her somewhat.Because Lexi is not feeling well, I am concerned that Hatti is taking advantage of that.With that thought,could Hatti maybe have pecked her on the head and caused this? I am leaning more to her diet, but could I be wrong? I have never noticed Hatti being a bully before.They have usually gotten along so well. If it continues, I will be separating them and possibly re-homing Hatti.I am wanting to get along hen since I lost one a month ago.A little hesitant right now until Lexi is better and I know that Hatti isn't becoming a bully.


The feed store had a different brand of feed that was 20% protein.It's a crumble. They love it! It seems that it's easier for Lexi to eat as well.I am still giving her the Poultry Boost twice a day and Vitamin E once.There is still some of the scratch grains on the floor of the coop where they have kicked it out of the feeder, so they are getting a little bit of both.Weaning them off of the junk food isn't going to be as tough as I thought. So glad they are both eating

 

[Eggcessive]

I am glad that she is doing better, but I would be reluctant to rehome the other hen at this point. Hopefully, it isn’t Mareks, but it would do no harm to keep the possible bully until you are pretty certain. Hattie can be separated for a time if really necessary, but they may work things out. You just should not rehome until Mareks is out of the question.

 

[rebrascora]

I agree with @Eggcessive
Whilst I am delighted that she is making such wonderful progress and they have taken to the new feed so well, you cannot rule out Marek's at this stage. I have had several birds with Marek's make miraculous recoveries from outbreaks, so the fact she is improving does not automatically rule out Marek's unfortunately.

 

[DWilkins]

I am glad that she is doing better, but I would be reluctant to rehome the other hen at this point. Hopefully, it isn’t Mareks, but it would do no harm to keep the possible bully until you are pretty certain. Hattie can be separated for a time if really necessary, but they may work things out. You just should not rehome until Mareks is out of the question.

I decided to separate the two. This way I can keep a better eye on Lexi ( she is in our attached garage with a heat lamp) and see if she does improve and so with out the added stress of Hatti picking at her. I can also watch to see if Hatti shows any neurological problems. I see some progress in Lexi,but I am reluctance to rule out Mareks just yet.Her balance is off, but she is mobile,eating and drinking as well.She is still feisty when I go to hold her.I agree, Re homing Hatti is not a good idea.I don't want to give her up anyway..I am still hoping and praying for the best for Lexi.If I don't see improvement in a few weeks,then I will have to put her down.

 

[DWilkins]

I agree with @Eggcessive
Whilst I am delighted that she is making such wonderful progress and they have taken to the new feed so well, you cannot rule out Marek's at this stage. I have had several birds with Marek's make miraculous recoveries from outbreaks, so the fact she is improving does not automatically rule out Marek's unfortunately.

You have seen birds with Mareks recover? How long did the recovery take? I agree,,, the more I watch her, the more I feel it may be Mareks.