The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: Melmarsh on May 23, 2014, 04:15:51 pm

Title: cockerel
Post by: Melmarsh on May 23, 2014, 04:15:51 pm

Anyone know why a cock bird would, for no apparent reason, loose his balance and fall backwards. If he shakes himself he falls over and at other times during the day .

Title: Re: cockerel
Post by: sabrina on May 23, 2014, 07:02:04 pm

Ear infection maybe.

Title: Re: cockerel
Post by: HesterF on May 24, 2014, 12:02:29 am

My gander went wobbly recently and the vet said it could be either poisoning (e.g. metal) or a physical injury. I didn't actually take him in - mid-breeding season would be stressful for him - but wormed him. He was fine after a couple of days but I don't think it was worming related (no sign of worms in sample) and then he went wobbly again a couple of weeks later. I think he has got a sore leg somehow.

Title: Re: cockerel
Post by: chrismahon on May 24, 2014, 06:29:46 am

Ear infection or ear mites would be my guess as well. If it was neurological it would be constant I think. One of ours falls over, but he's just rather old and lacks mobility in one of his legs. Perhaps worth looking for a leg injury or bumble foot when you check his ears (torch and magnifying glass required).

Title: Re: cockerel
Post by: Melmarsh on May 24, 2014, 09:18:15 am

Thanks all, I had thought it could be ears, as when people get middle ear problems. If he moves quickly he over balances and there again ,for no reason at all. Will try and look and speak to my vet.

Title: Re: cockerel
Post by: Marches Farmer on May 24, 2014, 12:00:46 pm

Does his comb stay red when it happens?  If it goes bluish/purplish could be a heart problem.