Tigerlily20 Posted March 19, 2014 Share Posted March 19, 2014 Hi, I'm currently chicken sitting for my mum who is on holiday and, of course, one of them has started acting strange. I noticed last night she was tilting her head to one side and today it seems to have gotten worse. She constantly holds her head at a slight angle and when I approach her she tilts it even further and almost circles her head like she is trying to see me but can't get focus. She is very domesticated, we have had her from a chick, but when I go out to see her now she is even more friendly than usual; attempting to climb up my leg and it feels like she's trying to tell me something is wrong by swinging her head around but I can't see anything physically wrong with her. I picked her up several times to get a better look and she didn't struggle at all, she also couldn't get into her house in the evening because she couldn't balance, I had to lift her in. Otherwise she seems absolutely fine; she's pecking, scratching and eating normally but I'm so worried about her. I've obviously googled it and thought maybe it could be wry neck? People suggested giving chickens with that baby vitamin drops and vitamin e drops. I work in a health food shop so it would be easy for me to bring some home tomorrow but I'm wondering if I should take her to a vet first? The other 4 chickens in the same coop have no problems at all but my main issue is keeping an eye to make sure they aren't picking on her. I would so appreciate some opinions here, should I leave it to see if she gets worse or rush her to a vet immediately? If this info helps she is less than 2 years old and is a black rock breed. Thank you in advanced, Anxiously waiting some advice!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beantree Posted March 20, 2014 Share Posted March 20, 2014 I wouldn't try to guess on this one Tigerlily20. My experience of this condition is very limited. It could be simply ear mites or an ear infection or it may be the onset of a neurological condition called 'stargazing'. My advice would be to get her to a good vet. Presumably your Mum has given you the details of one experienced in treating domestic chickens, because some vets have little or no experience of poultry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted March 20, 2014 Share Posted March 20, 2014 I agree, a vet's opinion is the way to go. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tigerlily20 Posted March 20, 2014 Author Share Posted March 20, 2014 Thank you so much for the advice, I took her straight to the vet this morning and she was diagnosed with wry neck. They gave me antibiotics to give her in the hope it might help if it's an ear infection but really it's a waiting game now to see if she gets better or worse. Fingers crossed for better! If anyone has any other advice on anything I can do to help her get better I'd be glad to hear it. I found some chicken vitamin drops in the cupboard so was planning on giving her some as the vet suggested anything that might boost her. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickabee Posted March 20, 2014 Share Posted March 20, 2014 If you can, get her some black sunflower seeds. They are high in vitamin e, protein and selenium. All of which are really good for hens. My girls love them hopefully yours will too Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tigerlily20 Posted March 20, 2014 Author Share Posted March 20, 2014 Great, thank you! I will check out the pet store and the nuts and seeds stool on the local market to see if they have any. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lillybettybabs Posted March 21, 2014 Share Posted March 21, 2014 I am treating a hen which i am not sure if she has a vitamin deficiency or a tail injury, I am treating her with Nutri Drops as it has vitamin E and B. She is improving greatly but i am also doing some physio with her which seems to help. No end to my talents Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
