Why does my chicken have a head tilt/twisted neck?

If you’ve discovered one of your chickens walking in circles, unable to hold its head straight, or looking like it’s permanently glancing at the ceiling — don’t panic. As a long-time chicken farmer and breeder, I can tell you that this condition, often called wry neck or head tilt, is something I’ve seen before. The good news? It’s usually not contagious or fatal — but it does require immediate attention.

In most cases, a twisted neck in chickens is caused by a vitamin deficiency, particularly in vitamin E and selenium. Once identified, the condition can often be corrected with supplements, supportive care, and a bit of patience.

What Causes Wry Neck in Chickens?

1. Vitamin Deficiency (Most Common Cause)

The leading cause of twisted neck in chickens is a deficiency in vitamin E, often coupled with low selenium levels. These nutrients are crucial for proper brain and nerve function. Without them, chickens can develop neurological issues that affect their balance and coordination.

This condition is especially common in:

Chicks fed old or improperly stored feed
Birds recovering from illness
Chickens under stress or poor dietary conditions

Vitamin E works best when paired with selenium, as selenium helps the body absorb and utilize vitamin E effectively. If both are lacking, the results can be dramatic — but also highly treatable.

2. Other Potential (But Less Common) Causes

While vitamin deficiency is by far the most common reason, wry neck can also result from:

Head trauma or injury
Inner ear infections
Certain viral diseases (like Marek’s disease)

These causes are much rarer and typically show additional symptoms like paralysis, loss of appetite, or eye issues. If your chicken is otherwise alert and just seems to have trouble keeping its head straight, it’s most likely a nutritional issue.

How to Treat Wry Neck in Chickens

1. Start Vitamin E and Selenium Supplementation Immediately

The cornerstone of treatment is supplementing your chicken with Vitamin E and Selenium. The easiest way to do this is with a pre-mixed Vitamin E & Selenium gel made for livestock and poultry.

Dosage: Give a pea-sized amount by mouth twice a day.
Continue dosing daily until the chicken fully recovers, and for at least a few days afterward.

Recommended Product:
Kaeco Selenium & Vitamin E Gel – 30 mL (Amazon)

2. Provide Supportive Care

Wry neck can make it hard for your chicken to eat, drink, or even stand. Set up a quiet, warm area where the bird can rest without competition from the rest of the flock.

If the chicken can’t feed or drink on its own:

Use a syringe or dropper to offer water and a soft feed mash.
Make sure it’s hydrated first — dehydration can worsen symptoms quickly.

Recommended Tools:
5 mL Oral Syringes (Pack of 10) – Amazon

3. Consider a B-Complex Supplement

In some cases, adding a poultry-specific vitamin supplement that includes B vitamins (especially B1/Thiamine) can provide additional support.

4. Be Patient and Don’t Stop Too Soon

You may start to see improvement within a few days, but full recovery can take a week or even several weeks depending on the severity. Continue with the supplements until:

The chicken is holding its head normally
Eating and drinking without assistance
Appears fully recovered for several consecutive days

Stopping treatment too early can lead to a relapse. Persistence is key.

What to Expect During Recovery

Recovery time varies. Some chickens bounce back quickly, while others improve gradually over a couple of weeks. It’s important to continue:

Hand-feeding and watering as needed
Providing supplements daily
Monitoring for signs of relapse or additional stress

Once the chicken is fully upright and acting normal again, I still recommend continuing the vitamin E and selenium for at least a week longer. This ensures the body has built up enough reserves to prevent recurrence.

In my experience, most chickens fully recover with consistent treatment and supportive care.

Final Thoughts

Wry neck in chickens is scary to see but very treatable. If caught early and addressed with the right supplements and care, your chicken has an excellent chance of recovery. Always keep a tube of Vitamin E & Selenium Gel, some oral syringes, and a general vitamin mix in your chicken first aid kit. A little preparation goes a long way.

And remember: nutrition is the foundation of flock health. Feed fresh, balanced poultry feed, avoid moldy grains, and keep your birds’ stress low — you’ll see the difference.

Shop Recommended Supplies

If you’re shopping in person, many of these items are also available at Tractor Supply under their poultry health section.