1 year old d'uccle lethargic, droopy comb

[shandy]

We are getting prepared to go to the fair with our 1 year old d'uccle rooster. He's been GREAT up until this week, and we caged him and brought him over to a friends to practice our speeches when we noticed his comb was droopier than usual. The next morning (Tuesday) we gave him a bath and since then, he's been acting more lethargic than usual. His comb is still droopy, but a nice bright red color. His stools are perfectly normal and he is eating a drinking ok as far as I can tell. He has been caged more recently in preparation for the fair and Tuesday would have been his first bath. I have him caged and in the house most of the day and I'm giving him vitamin water. Is there any chance this could be stress or do you think he is sick? We're worried to death since we show him Sunday.

 

[azygous]

He appears to be okay, but you are probably correct that he's stressed. Being hosed down and then stuffed into a cage and transported to a strange place would certainly stress any chicken.

He looks to be a prize winner. Gorgeous little guy.

 

[Shamo Hybrid]

He's nervous about his first competition........

 

[shandy]

I’m sure he’s nervous but does he realize how nervous he’s making us!? . He’s hunched over like this now. Do you think it could be worms? Would it hurt to treat just in case? Do you suppose if we treat tonight and check him in tomorrow to show him Sunday we’d be ok??

 

[Shamo Hybrid]

He looks real sick, I would be more worry about him surviving the next couple of days than the competition.

 

[azygous]

If he's not used to being trapped in a cage, he's probably disgusted and depressed. Maybe if you let him out to scratch around and dirt bathe, he'd feel better. Oh wait. That would ruin the wash job. Maybe he has mixed feelings about "show" business.

 

[Eggcessive]

Can you place him in familiar surroundings with his flock, in case he is depressed? You could still could keep him in his cage with food and water, but keep him with his friends day and night. I would put some vitamins with electroytes in his water for a couple of days. If you can get a fecal float done by a vet tomorrow, you can test for coccidiosis and worms. Also, is his conjunctiva (the pink part of the eye in the center of picture 2) always visible in his left eye? That might be significant for a respiratory disease if it usually is not seen.

 

[Cyprus]

I raise D'Uccles.
That looks like a sick bird to me.

 

[shandy]

I think I've come to the conclusion that he has a sour crop... I gave him ACV in his water and he seems to be perking up. Also massaged the crop and giving him yogurt. We were very worried about him! Not as worried about the show, but happy he's feeling better! My 8 year old is showing him for his first time ever in 4H. Any other suggestions for helping him if this is in fact the sour crop?

 

[shandy]

I raise D'Uccles.
That looks like a sick bird to me.

Cyprus, you may be a great contact for us! We've had d'uccles since May and LOVE them!! We bought the adults and also have some chicks.