5 month old silkie with wry neck

[FlyingFarmGirl]

Hello! I have a 5 month old silkie with what I think is wry neck. She (or he) is in a pen with about 15 others of same age with pine shavings for bedding. I first noticed she was tilting her head a little, the next day tilted to the side most of the time. I did research that night, thought it may be wry neck. The next morning when I went to get her to start treating, her head was twisted underneath her and she couldn’t pick it up at all. Her neck felt like a double s. I have been giving her vitamin e plain for first 3 days, then order of e with selenium came and I’ve been giving that for 2 days (3 times a day) and having to feed and water by hand. She has improved but only slightly, just enough for her to be frustrated with my force feeding and watering. Her neck isn’t as tightly twisted, but still can’t hold her head up. She will try to peck at food with me supporting her neck, but her head will twist sideways and she misses and can’t coordinate to open her beak at the right time. Can this take a long time to cure with only little improvements at a time? Could it be something else? I won’t give up if it’s curable, but I don’t want her to suffer if it’s hopeless. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[ChickNanny13]

Continue with treatment of Vitamin E .... This is from my notes - Vitamin E 400IU & Selenium 25mcg 2 - 3x day, NutriDrench, Thiamine/Vit B1, tuna, liver

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Do you have photos or a video of her?

From your description she has Wry Neck which is a neurological symptom of conditions like vitamin E deficiency, genetics, head injury/trauma and certain diseases like Marek's, Newcastles and Avian Lymhpoid Leukosis.

Vitamin therapy is 400IU Vitamin E, B1 (give her 1/4tablet of human B-Complex vitamins) and a very small amount of Selenium- egg or tuna has more than sufficient amount of selenium.

Is she with other Silkies or is she mixed with large fowl? Silkies do seem to be more prone to having symptoms of Wry Neck - a sharp peck to the head can cause symptoms and Marek's also seems to be something that they struggle with.
There is no timeline for recovery in birds that have Wry Neck, a lot depends on the cause. Some birds do recovery fairly quickly, while some make progress only to relapse. Sadly, a few are not able to overcome Wry Neck. If you feel she is in a great deal of pain, is declining or if you simply do not have the time (family/job/other commitments) to give her extended, intensive care, it is kinder to put her out of her misery.
http://www.browneggblueegg.com/Article/Crookneck/Crookneck.html
http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/the-great-big-giant-mareks-disease-faq

It sounds like you are doing what you can for her, you may want to try helping her eat as shown in the video below. It may be easier and less frustrating for you both.

 

[FlyingFarmGirl]

Thanks! I have seen that video and it’s definitely a help. She is a little better coordinating opening her beak when putting her head in the food today. I will keep on with the e/selenium and add the b drops. I have added some photos. Without assistance her head still goes underneath her chest. I will keep working with her since she is showing improvement, I was thinking/hoping for a quick turnaround since it was what seemed to be quick onset. She doesn’t seem to be in pain now, was first few days and I did give her pain meds.

 

[ChickNanny13]

Best wishes, won't be a fast recovery but she's pretty ... Snowy white & fluffy

 

[FlyingFarmGirl]

Thanks! She is now taking bigger bites and is able to drink well, as long as I hold her neck just right. She “purrs” when she is happy, and she’s been doing that again and more frequently. Her name is Zsa Zsa, as long as she is a girl! Lol. Maybe the experienced silkie owners can help on that- 5 months old, feet seem to be a little large, has some small wattles coming up, and a small comb starting, too early to tell?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Thanks! She is now taking bigger bites and is able to drink well, as long as I hold her neck just right. She “purrs” when she is happy, and she’s been doing that again and more frequently. Her name is Zsa Zsa, as long as she is a girl! Lol. Maybe the experienced silkie owners can help on that- 5 months old, feet seem to be a little large, has some small wattles coming up, and a small comb starting, too early to tell?

Glad to hear she is improving a little!
Zsa Zsa is a perfect name! I am no good at sexing Silkies, so I will just say it's a girl
I think at 5months even a pullet will have wattles and comb showing.

Thank you for the update, I hope she recovers soon.