Hi all,

I have 4 calls, 3 ducks and 1 drake all under 1 yr old. They are kept separate from any other ducks or chickens in my barn. Occasionally i let them out in the barn during the day, but I keep it closed so they cannot get out. They are normally in a 10 x 10 stall with bagged shavings.

Yesterday afternoon I noticed the drake was holding his head a bit to the side. It wasn't enough to cause concern, I didn't even think about it until that night.

When I went out about 7 to feed, he was sitting In a corner with his head bent almost completely backwards. This caused concern! I picked him up and checked for injuries, found nothing. I lightly palpitated his neck to see if I could feel any bulges. His eyes and nose are clear, no evidence of stains from diarrhea. He seems healthy.

After I put him down he seemed a bit better. He couldn't hold his head straight, it's kind of like he's cocking it to the side to look at you constantly. I segregated him for the night, but he was really stressed when I went out this morning- not sure that was the best idea. His head /neck seemed worse this morning until he took a swim and walked around, it seemed like it loosened up some. At first it was very twisted towards the back. He is able toeat and drink.

He seems better this afternoon. Definitely not Normal, but better.

The only causes I can think of are injury to his neck. Or he ate something that is causing a neurological reaction. Maybe a fungus?

Any ideas?