Dr. Mitun Sarkar . 20th May, 2022, 11:01 PM
Stargazing / Wry neck
Synonyms:
Crook neck, Torticollis, Stargazing, Twisted neck, Limber neck.
Wry neck is not an illness itself but rather a symptom used to describe an abnormal head and neck position. Wry neck or stargazing is a condition characterized of unable to hold its neck up on its own.
Stargazing (see video) in Japaneese quail involves drawing the neck backwards.
Causes of wry neck:
Wry neck (see on
bdvets.com) can be occurred due to several causes. It may be a genetic issue,
or due to vitamin deficiency, or even due to a head injury. Wry Neck can also
be a symptom of other diseases such as exposure to toxins, Botulism, Newscastle
Disease, Marek’s Disease, or an ear infection.
The level of Vitamin E
for chickens of all ages and types is between 10 and 25 IUs. Poultry diets
lacking in the proper amount of Vitamin E can result in wry neck.
Vitamin B1 or Thiamine
deficiency can also result in wry neck in chickens.
Predesposing
factor for wry neck disease:
Vitamin Deficiencies
Head Trauma
Newcastle Disease
Fowl Cholera
Avian Encephalomyelitis
Aspergillosis,
Marek’s Disease
Listeriosis
Ear Infection
Signs and Symptoms:
Treatment:
Provide Vitamin E and Thiamine
Separate
the afflicted chick
Hand
feeding might be necessary
Consult
with veterinarian
Prevention:
Provide
Good-quality feed
Supplement
diet with Vitamin E
Feed
newly hatch chicks or ducklings with Vitamin E supplement
Vaccinate
timely against Newcastle, Marek’s and other diseases.
