Lots of head shaking

[jimred]

I visited a poultry supplier today to pick up a few bits, i had a look at her chooks for sale and nearly every bird was shaking it head to some extent, some continuously and some from time to time.

i asked her why they were doing this and the reply was that's what chickens do!

what would causes this, i left in a bit of hurry and got the ***** out on my boots when i got home!

[tlck9]

when my omlet shook her head, in a sort of cork screw motion, it was because she had something stuck in her crop. It can happen that they get some grass or something they cant budge.

However i was also told it could be gape worm and needs treating.

Other than those two things, i'm sure the more experienced will come along and provide additional ideas

[Nicos]

Yikes- I'd have legged it too!

[jimred]

it was light shaking of the head, not gaping as such

when my omlet shook her head, in a sort of cork screw motion, it was because she had something stuck in her crop. It can happen that they get some grass or something they cant budge.

However i was also told it could be gape worm and needs treating.

Other than those two things, i'm sure the more experienced will come along and provide additional ideas

[Flummery]

Could be an ear-infection. I wouldn't have hung around either. That is NOT what chickens do and I'm sure she knows it!

[RichmondHens]

You did right to not take any birds. A lot head shaking/flicking is caused by lice/mites. The chickens flick their heads around because they are itchy and uncomfortable.

If a breeder cannot be bothered to delouse his birds he doesn't deserve customers.

[tlck9]

You did right to not take any birds. A lot head shaking/flicking is caused by lice/mites. The chickens flick their heads around because they are itchy and uncomfortable.

If a breeder cannot be bothered to delouse his birds he doesn't deserve customers.

I hadnt thought of that one, so something to look out for, although mine do get done regularly. Out of interest when you puff the stuff on where do people put it?

[yeti]

hi,i normaly do mine all over and pay close attention to under wings(arm pits) and around the vent,if you spot any small white clusters at the base of the feathers around the vent this normally eggs of the lice...

[Bramble-Poultry]

we went to a specilist poultry sale last summer and was horrified to see that nearly all the birds entered by a "reputable" local breeder were shaking and itching. you could actually see the lice crawling on them!

needless to say we dont part with money to them, no matter how much we want a particular breed of chicken thatthey have the monopoly on!

[yeti]

htat is awful,how can anyone let there birds get into the state where you can see the lice crawling on them!! i wouldnt be able to contain my words if i myself witnessed such a thing!!

[Snadger]

I know they weren't 'gaping' but shaking of the head is another trait of gapeworm infected birds!

[jimred]

How would you dust around the head without getting it in there eyes/

hi,i normaly do mine all over and pay close attention to under wings(arm pits) and around the vent,if you spot any small white clusters at the base of the feathers around the vent this normally eggs of the lice...

[RichmondHens]

I dust under the ruff or collar and then work it upwards on the skin with my fingers. Do not puff directly at the head itself. With crested birds you can work a small amount of powder into the skin at the base of the crest with your finger.

[Glutton4...]

htat is awful,how can anyone let there birds get into the state where you can see the lice crawling on them!! i wouldnt be able to contain my words if i myself witnessed such a thing!!

I'm with you on that one - I'd have said something too! Loudly! It's disgusting!

[yeti]

exactly as richmondhens has sugested..