Wry Neck (Torticollis)

In collaboration with CVC AC Elena Johnson

Wry Neck is a condition where the chicken’s neck is bent and twisted, meaning their head is oriented to the back, down, left or right – sometimes even leading to birds not being able to hold their head up on their own. The thing is Wry Neck is a symptom, not a disease.

Wry Neck can be a result of cervical spine deformity, cerebella hypoplasia, hydrocephalus, vitamin E and thiamine deficiencies, ergotism, soybean or lupin based diets, head injury, lead toxicity, brain tumor, bacterial infections, ear infections, Marek’s Disease, Newcastle Disease, Avian Influenza, Toxoplasmosis, Tapeworms, fungal infections, amongst others.

Treatment: besides providing supportive care by isolating the bird and removing stressors, treatment will depend on what’s causing the twisted neck; therefore, it is vital for this to be identified promptly.

Vitamin deficiency: Vitamin E in particular, chickens of all ages need vitamin E in a level between 10 to 25 IUs, Selenium is required for vitamin E to be properly absorbed. Poultry Cell, Durvet vitamins and electrolytes, Vital Pack, Vitamin E 40 liquid are sources containing Vitamin E.

Foods that contain high Vitamin E are: Asparagus, broccoli, pumpkin, spinach, dandelion greens and
oregano.

Deficiency in Vitamin B1 better known as Thiamin can also cause Wry Neck. Brewers yeast is a natural source of Thiamine and can be added to the feed. ½ teaspoon per cup or 1 cup per 40 pounds of feed. You can also free feed it in a separate feeder.

Polish and Silkie breeds are prone to vitamin deficiencies and are also more susceptible to head injuries because their skulls aren’t as thick as other breeds.

You need to supplement vitamins B1(Thiamin), B2, B6 and E plus Selenium. Treatment should improve within 48-72 hours; however, a full recovery can take longer depending on the severity.
For adult birds, Poultry Cell given by mouth, 2-3cc Two times a day for 2 weeks and also add it to their drinking water. Chickens with wry neck do not eat enough to supplement their vitamins so it must be given in addition to their feed. Nutri Drench doesn’t contain vitamin B2 or B6 so use Poultry Cell.

You can also get vitamin B1 tablets 100mg, give 1 tablet 2 times a day and vitamin E 1000 IU, open vitamin E capsule and empty contents into mouth, can put in a dropper or small syringe if that’s easier for you. 25mcg (micrograms) selenium or break 50mcg in half, crush and give 3 times a day, you can mix it with the vitamin E and give via syringe.

Chicks can be treated with about ¼ of the adult doses. Just a couple drops of Vitamin E, ¼ tab of Selenium and B1 tablets.