~12 week old sick Rooster

[bowen012]

My rooster has been acting ill the past week or so. Lethargic and significant weight loss. He doesn't fall down but sometimes will lose his balance. I noticed today some matter around his vent - photos included. Please advise.

 

[Eggcessive]

Have you had him long? Have you ever had any chickens with coccidiosis? He may have been exposed to cocci if you have recently brought him home or maybe another chicken from another farm. There are 9 strains of coccidia that chickens get, and they usually have built up some immunity by this age, there may be a strain that he is not immune to. It is treated with Corid (amprollium) for 5-7 days, and treatment won't hurt him. Another consideration could be Mareks disease from the description of loss of balance. Was he vaccinated as a day old chick?

 

[bowen012]

I started Corid a couple of days ago and will continue for a few days. I've had him since he was 1 week old and he wasn't vaccinated. I'm watching for Marek's as there have been cases of it locally.

 

[Eggcessive]

You have a nice veterinary hospital there in Blacksburg. Do they do any testing for mareks there? I sure hope he doesn't have it. Coccidiosis causes a lot of weird symptoms, so maybe he just has that instead. At least it is usually curable if caught in time.