Wry Neck - Nutrition Question...

[ChristyBloom]

I've lost 3 young chickens in the last 3 weeks to what I believe to be Wry Neck. After reading about the solution being vitamin E and Selenium, I was wondering how they could be vitamin deficient when I've had them on a medicated chick starter. They are all about 12-14 weeks old. I'm just sick. I tried treating the first 2 with the selenium and vitamin E and they both died. The third one happened over night and was too far gone to attempt to save. I'm just sick. Any thoughts or suggestions?

 

[SilkiesnFrizzle]

Do you have any pics of the birds? Did they have other symptoms? Were they eating well? Checked for worms, mites or lice?

 

[ChristyBloom]

No pictures. The dead are buried and the live are doing fine. They did have mites several weeks ago and i dusted for them and have checked and see none. BUT... they are still shaking their heads. They are Silkies. I don't see any worms and they are eating and drinking well. I'd appreciate any thoughts.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

3 young chickens in the last 3 weeks to what I believe to be Wry Neck

how they could be vitamin deficient when I've had them on a medicated chick starter.

Hi @ChristyBloom I'm sorry to hear about your losses

How old are they?

Wry Neck is a neurological symptom caused by injury, vitamin deficiency and certain diseases like Marek's, Newcastles and Avian Lymphoid Leukosis.

Vitamin deficiency can come from parent stock or a bird may not be able to absorb nutrients properly.

"Medicated Feed" if you are in the US, contains s Coccidiostat like Amprolium/Amprol. This is very low level of a thiamine blocker which helps inhibit the growth of Coccidiosis, allowing birds to build resistance. It is not medicated in any other way.

Since you have had 3 die in such a short period of time, then looking at a disease like Marek's would be in order. Silkies seem to be more prone to succumbing to this terrible disease.

Offering poultry vitamins that contains E and B a couple of times a week won't hurt, for selenium you can give tuna or chopped egg.

I appreciate that you have already buried you birds, but if you happen to lose another one, the it would be best to send the body for necropsy - this will give you better answers and so you know what you are dealing with.

Problems with silkies:
https://poultrykeeper.com/blog/diseases-common-to-silkies/

MAREKS
http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/the-great-big-giant-mareks-disease-faq

Necropsy and State labs
https://agr.wa.gov/FoodAnimal/AnimalHealth/statevets.aspx
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/nahln/downloads/all_nahln_lab_list.pdf

HOW TO SEND FOR NECROPSY
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/how-to-send-a-bird-for-a-necropsy-pictures.799747/

 

[ChristyBloom]

Thank you so much! I had read some of this in my search but your answers were so complete and helpful. I'm just sick over this. And now I'm paranoid... just waiting for another one to drop. I have 5 beautiful silkies left and this is my first experience with them. I also have 4 other mixed egg layers in another coop that are a year old and are doing fine. I'm glad you sent the link on how to send for a necropsy because I'm clueless. Thanks again! AND thanks for the hugs.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I hope the rest remain happy and healthy

 

[ChristyBloom]

Thank you