2.5 Month Pullet Puffed up Alone and Lethargic

[TexasKhaleesi]

I went into my pen today and noticed that my little polish crested, Miss Hepburn, was all puffed up and in the corner by herself. She still squawks indignantly when I pick her up, and will sit there peeping to herself. She also seems to be having slight balance issues. I have tried to get her to eat and drink, but to no avail.

What could be going on?! She's my first polish and I really don't want to lose her...

Now, I HAVE noticed her being picked on a lot by my big RIR hen, Wilma, who is just a b**** chicken in general...but she seems to target Miss Hepburn more often than not...could that be the cause of my little one's decline in morale?

I took this picture when I put her on the roost to see how her balance was. She wobbled for a minute or so.

 

[Eggcessive]

Welcome to BYC. It could be that she is being kept from food and water by the others, which can cause balance problems, weakness, and lethargy, but coccidiosis can also be a problem at this age. Look for lethargy, diarrhea or blood in poop, not eating, puffing up, and ruffled feathers with extreme weakness. Corid (amprollium) in the water 2 tsp of the liquid, or 1.5 tsp of the power per gallon of water for 5 days will treat that. Put out extra waterers and feeders, and place the bully in isolation for a week, if you think she is being kept from the food. I would try to get her rehydrated right away, though, and if you don't feel that she needs treatment for coccidiosis, then I would get her electrolytes and vitamins in her water for a couple of days. Polish chicks do get picked on, there head feathers get pulled, and they tend to be low in the pecking order in mixed flocks.