Always seek veterinary advice before administering any treatment.
Vitamin E
Many people mistakenly believe that selenium is the treatment for wry neck, but selenium actually only acts as a supporting nutrient that helps vitamin E function properly. Vitamin E can work without selenium, but it may be less effective.
Due to the toxic effects of excessive selenium intake, I recommend more pure vitamin E supplement available (see below).
Every individual is different. Some birds may require higher doses, while others may need very little. However, a general guideline is:
-
400 mg vitamin E
Suggestion for brands of vitamin E
Europe
- Nekton-E
- Quiko Vitamin E Powder
Liquid Multivitamins
Many vitamins work together and influence each other’s functions. A deficiency in vitamin A, for example, has been shown to affect vitamin E levels, which may contribute to episodes of wry neck.
B vitamins play an important role in normal muscle and nerve function and may therefore support recovery of the neck muscles and help the bird regain a more normal head position.
For this reason, I recommend using a liquid multivitamin supplement as part of the supportive care for wry neck.
Instead of using a Vitamin E and selenium supplement alone, I recommend using a multivitamin that contains selenium. This provides a broader range of nutrients and may allow for more effective treatment.
- 25 mcg selenium
Support Feed
What I refer to as “support feed” is a powdered formula designed to provide nutritional support for injured or ill birds. It is an easy way to provide essential nutrients to a bird that is unwilling or unable to eat.
It can be even more effective when administered through tube feeding, as this allows the bird to receive the full nutritional benefit of the formula.
Honey and Molasses
I do not have any direct evidence to support this, but research suggests that honey has wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also high in calories, which can be beneficial when a hen is struggling to eat.
Molasses is similar to honey and may also be beneficial during a wry neck episode. Its sweet taste can help stimulate appetite, it provides a source of calories, and it contains various vitamins and minerals.
NOTE: Molasses in greater quantity can cause diarrhea