Wry Neck in Chickens: What Is It and How Can You Treat?

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It is distressful to see the chick with a tilted or twisted neck. Initially, I thought it might be just playing around, but when she couldn’t even feed or drink normally, I started worrying.

After research, I learned that wry neck is a medical condition caused by nutritional deficiency, genetics, or head injury.

If you’re lucky enough to identify in the early stage, you can treat this neurological condition, ignoring the severity and even death of the chicken.

Though a wry neck is common among chicks, this can be seen in chickens of all ages.

If the chicken feels difficult to eat and drink, then you should spoon-feed the chicken.

As the wry neck or torticollis (medical term) won’t go away quickly, the flock owner should pay utmost attention and take proper care of the affected chicken by separating it from other flocks.

Feeding vitamin E and selenium-rich diets, keeping the chicken coop clean, vaccinating the flock, and avoiding head injuries are ways to treat and prevent wry necks in chickens.

What Is Wry Neck in Chickens?

As mentioned, torticollisis is the medical term for wry neck, which is also known as twisted neck or crooked neck.

It is a neurological disorder that makes it difficult for the chick to hold its head upright. The disorder affects neck muscles, making it hard for the chick to even walk and eat normally.

Affected chickens hold their head at an angle, cock it to one side, or even twist their neck at alarming angles and be unable to correct it voluntarily.

Although not dangerous in and of itself, it can result in significant quality of life problems for affected birds and often manifests after a traumatic injury, severe infection, or other problem.

Also Read: How to Get Rid of Chicken Mites and Lice?

What Causes Wry Neck in Chickens?

Wry neck in chickens can be caused by multiple reasons: lack of essential nutrients like vitamins E, selenium, and thiamine, head injury, or an infectious disease.

Knowing what’s behind the titled neck allows us to treat it efficiently and provide proper care.

1. Nutritional Deficiency

    A major cause of a wry neck is a lack of essential nutrients, particularly vitamin E and selenium. These nutrients support muscle strength and nerve health, both crucial for a chicken’s neck control.

    Most commercial chicken feeds include these nutrients, but if you’re mixing your feed, make sure they’re part of the formula.

    Vitamin E is abundant in foods like wheat germ oil, sunflower seeds, almonds, and leafy greens. Selenium can be found in Brazil nuts, seafood, and dairy products. Including these can help prevent a wry neck from developing due to deficiencies.

    2. Head Injury

      Physical injuries, especially those affecting the head or neck, are another common cause of wry neck in chickens. A peck from another bird or a strong impact can damage the nerves or even the brain, which can lead to neurological issues like a wry neck.

      To prevent injuries, ensure the flock has enough space and avoid mixing aggressive or larger birds with more delicate breeds. Injuries are often seen in crowded coops or when aggressive birds are present.

      Check this: How Cold Is Too Cold For Chickens?

      3. Genetics

        Some chickens are simply more prone to wry neck due to genetic factors. Certain breeds, like Silkies and Polish chickens, are particularly susceptible because of their skull shape and delicate neck structure.

        If a wry neck appears in chicks without any apparent cause, it may be due to inherited traits. Chickens with this genetic predisposition should not be bred, as the condition can be passed down to offspring.

        4. Infection

          Serious infections can lead to wry necks in chickens. Diseases that cause inflammation in the brain or nerves, such as avian flu or salmonella, may result in neurological problems. These infections can damage nerve pathways, leading to the uncontrollable head movements seen in a wry neck.

          Keeping the coop clean and ensuring birds are vaccinated can reduce the risk of infections that may lead to a wry neck.

          5. Toxicity

            Exposure to toxins can also cause wry neck in chickens. Pesticides, herbicides, and even certain household chemicals can be toxic and harm a chicken’s nervous system if ingested or absorbed. This exposure can result in neurological issues, including a wry neck.

            Keep chickens away from areas treated with chemicals and store household products securely to prevent accidental exposure.

            Also Read: Why Are My Chickens Laying Small Eggs?

            How to Treat Wry Neck in Chickens

            Treatment varies depending on the underlying cause, but the good news is that several effective strategies can be employed.

            Nutritional Supplements

            If your chicken’s wry neck stems from a nutritional deficiency, providing vitamin E and selenium supplements can help. You can buy poultry-specific supplements or introduce nutrient-rich foods like sunflower seeds, spinach, and pumpkin seeds. Selenium-rich foods, such as Brazil nuts or eggs, also work well. For some chickens, consistent supplementation can lead to a full recovery within weeks.

            Create a Safe Recovery Environment

            To reduce stress and prevent injury, isolate the affected chicken in a quiet, dimly lit space. Limiting activity minimizes additional strain on their neck and allows for faster recovery.

            A soft bedding area with easy access to food and water is ideal. Consider hand-feeding or elevating feeders if your chicken struggles to reach her food.

            Supportive Care

            You may need to hand-feed chickens with severe wry neck symptoms, as they may struggle to pick up food or drink without assistance. A dropper can help them stay hydrated.

            Additionally, supplementing their diet with scrambled eggs can provide quick energy and nutrients to speed up recovery.

            Rest and Patience

            Some cases of wry neck require nothing more than time and care. For mild cases, just allowing the bird to rest and reducing environmental stress can lead to gradual improvement.

            Consulting a Veterinarian

            If the condition worsens or does not improve with basic care, a vet can evaluate for possible infections or recommend medications, including anti-inflammatory drugs, that may help reduce neurological symptoms.

            Also Read: 70 Things Chickens Can Eat & 30 Food Items to Avoid

            How Long Does It Take for Wry Neck to Go Away?

            Depending on the severity of the infection and treatment, recovery may take weeks.

            The nutritionally-caused wry neck might resolve within a few days to weeks once supplements are introduced.

            Cases resulting from injury or genetic predisposition may take longer or might never fully resolve but can still improve over time.

            Some chickens have a mild tilt for life, which doesn’t hinder their quality of life as long as they’re eating and drinking normally.

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            How Can You Prevent Wry Neck?

            Prevention mainly involves maintaining a balanced diet, keeping the environment stress-free, and being mindful of the breeds you bring into your flock.

            1. Balanced Diet

            A diet rich in vitamins, particularly E and selenium, reduces the risk of a nutritional wry neck.

            Commercial feeds generally contain these nutrients, but adding green vegetables, sunflower seeds, and occasional egg yolk can be beneficial.

            2. Reduce Environmental Stress

            Provide ample space, shelter from predators, and consistent routines to minimize stress.

            Limiting stressful interactions among flock members and ensuring a stable environment can go a long way.

            Also Read: How to Help My Chickens Grow Feathers Back?

            3. Avoid Breeding Prone Chickens

            For breeds with a genetic predisposition, avoid breeding those affected by wry neck to reduce the chances of passing on the condition. Sourcing chickens from reputable breeders helps limit this risk.

            Can Your Chicken Live with Wry Neck?

            Yes, chickens can live with mild wry necks, especially when the condition is not severe enough to prevent normal feeding and movement. Many chickens adapt to mild symptoms and continue to lead healthy lives.

            However, cases that impair essential functions like eating or drinking may require regular supportive care.

            In some instances, chickens with severe wry neck may struggle and need extra assistance to maintain a good quality of life.

            Also Read: How to Keep Chickens from Getting Bored?

            Is Wry Neck in Chickens Contagious?

            No, a wry neck isn’t contagious. Even if it results from an infection, the condition itself doesn’t spread from bird to bird.

            Will Wry Neck in Chickens Go Away on Its Own?

            In some cases, a wry neck might resolve without intervention, mainly if it’s mild or caused by a temporary condition.

            However, providing nutritional support or treatment for infections can speed up the recovery process.

            Conclusion

            It can be distressing to see your chicken with a twisted or wry neck, but it’s often manageable with the right care.

            There are plenty of steps to help them recover, from enhancing their diet to creating a peaceful environment and offering supportive treatments.

            With patience, many chickens overcome wry neck, and for those that don’t, they can still lead fulfilling lives with a bit of extra care.

            Watch for signs of nutrient deficiency, and ensure your flock’s health with a balanced diet and safe surroundings to minimize the risk of this condition.