16 week old lethargic EE

[Nat and Ana]

1) What type of bird , age and weight (does the chicken seem or feel lighter or thinner than the others.) 16 weeks
2) What is the behavior, exactly. lethargic, eyes closed, walked around with others this morning then stopped and closed her eyes in the middle of the yard.
3) How long has the bird been exhibiting symptoms? Just this morning, totally fine yesterday.
4) Are other birds exhibiting the same symptoms? No.
5) Is there any bleeding, injury, broken bones or other sign of trauma. No, and no lice or vent issues
6) What happened, if anything that you know of, that may have caused the situation. started feeding half layer, half starter last week.
7) What has the bird been eating and drinking, if at all. free ranged a number of hours this week, was eating fine yesterday
8) How does the poop look? Normal? Bloody? Runny? etc. Can't tell.
9) What has been the treatment you have administered so far? Nothing.
10 ) What is your intent as far as treatment? For example, do you want to treat completely yourself, or do you need help in stabilizing the bird til you can get to a vet? I need guidance on this one.

11) If you have a picture of the wound or condition, please post it. It may help.
12) Describe the housing/bedding in use. Free range (supervised) and a 4x4 coop with 3 other 16 week olds.

I'm worried that maybe the feed (half starter/half layer) is the issue because I read about gout, but she's just about the age to be laying, her comb is redder lately and she's filled out. She's maturing a bit faster than the other birds, but they are maturing too. I expect an egg any day now. But I"m really worried I've either done something wrong and she's sick or I need to do something. Help. Thanks!

 

[coach723]

Lethargy in a 16 week old would make me suspicious of coccidiosis. If you see any runny, mucousy or bloody droppings that would also be a symptom. I would treat with Corid, it's very safe, and will do no harm if it's something else, but if it's coccidiosis and you delay treatment she could die. Corid is available at most feed stores and tractor supply, look in the livestock section. Either liquid or powder form is fine. Treated water needs to be the only water available during treatment, and do not give vitamin supplements until treatment is complete. Treatment chart below, also give some orally to the sick bird in addition to the treated water to get some in her system, dosing for that is here:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/corid-oral-drench-instructions.1211991/

 

[Nat and Ana]

She hasn't lost any weight, but I'll keep an eye on her poop. I don't want to stress her out by separating her just yet. I'm in MA and was told I can't buy anything with an antibiotic unless through a vet. sigh. So I'm calling around.

 

[coach723]

Corid contains amprolium, so not always classified as an antibiotic, but it is an antimicrobial, so may or may not fall into that category of access, not familiar with your state laws. I hope you can get some! These laws are really frustrating.
You can also use this, though Corid is usually widely available, might check to see if it will ship to MA, Corid is available on Amazon, you could overnight it:
https://www.allthingsbunnies.com/Toltrazuril-5-Suspension-for-Coccidiosis-p/med132.htm

 

[Nat and Ana]

Update: I checked on her (Jordan) this afternoon around 3. She was alert and eating (I threw some scratch in the coop, it's been raining all day). I went to close up the feed pvc just now and she's back to eyes closed on the roost.

I ordered powder Corid from Amazon but it won't get here until the 14th. sigh. I'm going to call the emergency vet tomorrow morning and see if they can help me. Not sure if they work with chickens.

Any other thoughts? Prayers would be appreciated, I've grown surprisingly attached.

 

[anna-newhampshire]

lethargic, eyes closed, walked around with others this morning then stopped and closed her eyes in the middle of the yard

Yes, it is very likely coccidiosis. Next, she's gonna stand around with fluffy feathers, diarrhea... I'm very sorry, but she could be gone by the time her medication arrives on the 14th. I have seen Corid at Tractor Supply in NH. I would call the feed stores that are close, other chicken owners, any vet etc. She needs to start the treatment right away.

I would say take a moment to familiarize yourself with the disease and the treatment. Coccidiosis is a killer but at the same time very banal and easy to beat if caught early enough. People keep Corid around like aspirin, I really hope you don't need to go too far for it.

I did pray - for the chicken and for you to solve this easily. Hugs.

 

[Shezadandy]

If one bird has it, the others won't be far behind. Check to see if your water source is being contaminated. My first run in with it was when I made a waterer and left little holes in the lid so the water would flow freely. All well and good until little broody-raised chicks started jumping up there and pooping on the lid. If one is going down hill, this won't be the only one.

If you have "Medicated" Start and Grow available in your state- you have Corid. You may have to look for it in the CATTLE section of a farm store. It's the same stuff- but you need the Corid in this case to get the proper levels for TREATMENT as opposed to prevention.

 

[Nat and Ana]

I checked the store in NH. Will head over there today to pick up the Corid. Thank you all for helping!!

I checked on Jordan this morning when I water and opened the feed for them, she's alert and eating (pretty sure she's the alpha hen). So hopefully by mid morning I'll be able to get the Corid and start dosing the birds.

It's been hot and wet here and my birds refused to understand how to drink from the drip bucket, so they muddy their water even though it's up on a block. So unfortunately, I have all the right conditions for coccidiosis.

Coach, thanks for the dosage. Anna thanks for the NH idea. Thanks everyone for the prayers too. Will keep you posted. HUGS!!

 

[coach723]

Very glad you are able to get some somewhere. Hope all goes well from here on.

 

[Nat and Ana]

Thanks Coach! Any idea what to expect now that the water is dosed? How long does recovery take. (just in case it's not coccidiosis)
I was able to feed Jordan drops of the medicated water after I set up the waterer. She was alert enough to drink a few mls.