My chicken has a swollen eye, head tilt, and can't balance. What's wrong?

Question

I have a 2 year old hen who has a swollen and itchy eye. Her head tilts almost completely horizontally and she sometimes falls over like she can't balance correctly. Her crop empties every night and I make sure she gets food and water during the day. I wash her eyes out with saline every so often and I put metricyn AH in her eyes for the itchiness. I also ordered some terramycin eye ointment. If you can give me any advice on how to help her it'll be greatly appreciated. Thank you!! Pet's info: Bird | Unknown - Bird | Female | unspayed | 4 lbs

Angel Alvarado, LVT · Accepted Answer

In adult chickens, "wry neck", can be caused by infection, trauma or poor diet. Hen pecking can cause trauma and infection. A poor diet results in a vitamin deficiency, usually E, B1, D or a combination. Have her examined by a vet experienced in treating domestic fowl. Separate her from the flock for now. Feed a fortified chicken feed. Vitamin E should be given daily. Give with the mineral selenium to enhance absorption. Vit B can be mixed in with food or water. Infection should be confirmed and treated with the appropriate antibiotic if indicated.

My chicken has a swollen eye, head tilt, and can't balance. What's wrong?

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