Why does my pigeon have wry neck? Is it diet or an infection?

Wry neck is not contagious. It can be caused by a nutritional deficiency (vitamin E, selenium), toxin ingestion, trauma or it can be an inherited trait in certain breeds. Check your yard for sources of toxins such as rotting food or stagnant water. If you are feeding a balanced and fortified diet, nutritional deficiency can be ruled out. The website www.backyardchickens.com is an excellent resource for information regarding domestic fowl.

Thanks for reaching out about Pukki and including photos. There are multiple causes of acute loss of legs including: spinal trauma, metabolic concerns (liver, kidney), infectious diseases (circovirus, aspergillosis), and more. A veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. For now, remove perches and provide a soft towel on which to sit. Ensure that food and water are within reach. Continue to syringe feed if needed. Good luck.

PMV does indeed cause this symptom very often, there is no treatment for PMV unfortunately but many pigeons do recover from it as long as it is not too severe and as long as they are able to eat and drink. 3 weeks is starting to be a long time though, if in 3 more weeks you do not see any improvement, chances of recovery are not good.

Thanks for reaching out about Dawn and including photo. Could be either. With the twisted neck and clenched right foot, a neurologic condition is likely. Congenital/development problems or diseases such as paramyxoviurs, PBFD, bacterial meningitis, are all possible. A veterinary visit is recommended to assist with a diagnostic/treatment plan. They could be pushing her out of the nest due to her condition, and might need hand-rearing. Good luck.

Hi, and thanks for your question. This is a quite generic but concerning presentation. Differentials are many, from gastrointestinal diseases (infection/inflammations often dietary related) to any disease that can spread systemically (causing lethargy for example) like infection, and anything that can cause pain/discomfort. An immediate check up at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics may be needed. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

Thanks for reaching out about your pigeon and including photos. Would be concerned this is a hernia, intestinal or uterine most likely. A veterinary visit is recommended, as if that is what it is, it will become a problem acutely. If she is still laying eggs after appearance of swelling, less likely to be uterine. Good luck.

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.