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Wry Neck

Other Names: Crook Neck, Torticollis, Stargazing, Twisted Neck, Limber Neck

Wry neck (torticollis) is not an illness but rather a clinical sign used to describe an abnormal head and neck position. Other commonly used slang terms include 'twisted neck', 'stargazing', limber neck', 'crook neck', and 'crooked neck'. Wry neck causes the bird's head and neck to appear twisted and tilted.

Clinical Signs

Twisted head or neck

Abnormal head and neck position

Diagnosis

History
Clinical signs

Treatment

Name	Summary
Supportive care	Isolate the bird from the flock and place in a safe, comfortable, warm location (your own chicken "intensive care unit") with easy access to water and food. Limit stress. Call your veterinarian.
Treatment depends on the cause
Provide supplemental Vitamin E and Vitamin B

Support

Prevention

Feed a well-balanced diet appropriate for chicken age group and type
Only purchase eggs from reputable breeders
Biosecurity

Scientific References

Doneley, Bob. Avian medicine and surgery in practice: companion and aviary birds.. CRC Press. (2016)
Nevitt, B. N., Robinson, N., Kratz, G., & Johnston, M. S. Effectiveness of physical therapy as an adjunctive treatment for trauma-induced chronic torticollis in raptors. Journal of avian medicine and surgery (2015)
A Ali et al. Rehabilitation and Curing of Domestic Pigeons Exhibiting Signs of Torticollis. Research Journal for Veterinary Practitioners (2014)
Akinoluwa, P. O., et al. . The Differential Susceptibility of Yoruba Ecotype Nigerian Indigenous Chicken Varieties To Newcastle Disease Nigerian Veterinary Journal (2012)
Ley, David H., et al.. Mycoplasma iowae associated with chondrodystrophy in commercial turkeys Avian Pathology (2010)
R. J. Julian. Rapid growth problems: ascites and skeletal deformities in broilers Poultry science (1998)
Lenselink, D. R., Midtling, J. E., & Kolesari, G. L.. Teratogenesis associated with oxydemeton‐methyl in the stage 12 chick embryo Teratology (1993)
Cardona, C. J., and A. A. Bickford. Wry necks associated with Mycoplasma meleagridis infection in a backyard flock of turkeys Avian diseases (1993)
Barton, J. T., et al.. Avian paramyxovirus type 1 infections in racing pigeons in California. I. Clinical signs, pathology, and serology. Avian diseases (1992)
Wyttenbach, Charles R., and Julia D. Hwang. Relationship between insecticide‐induced short and wry neck and cervical defects visible histologically shortly after treatment of chick embryos Journal of Experimental Zoology Part A: Ecological Genetics and Physiology (1984)
Sullivan, G. E. Skeletal abnormalities in chick embryos paralysed with decamethonium Australian Journal of Zoology (1974)

Age Range

Can occur at any age; however it is most frequently seen in newly hatched chicks.

Risk Factors

Incorrect incubation parameters
Poor nutritional diet
Adult breeder chickens that do not receive additional nutrients needed for chicks (often occurs when fed food intended for laying hens or when just feeding scratch feed)