3 Week Old Chick With LEAKY vent & SWOLLEN Knee :(

[PrincessPollo]

Coconut oil administered (that was tedious) & crop massaged. She did not enjoy the coconut oil. Thankful my daughter was here to help If there's a blockage in there I hope it comes out. She pooped 3x during her coconut oil treatment. Now I guess we wait & see...

 

[PrincessPollo]

It's been about 24 hours since giving the coconut oil. Unfortunately, her butt was still white covered this morning. But, It might have been a bit cleaner than other mornings. She also strained for a bit to poop as I was cleaning her up. Poop is moving through, so I guess that's a good thing. Should I give her more coconut oil today? Any other tips & tricks? Thanks!

 

[azygous]

Yes, with stubborn cases, you may need to repeat the oil several times. It will not hurt her. Do gently massage her crop each time to help to oil get distributed.

 

[azygous]

Also, chick grit is especially useful in these cases.

 

[PrincessPollo]

Also, chick grit is especially useful in these cases.

Thanks! They have access to 2 bowls of chick grit. Also, 2 feeders & 2 waterers. Plenty of options

 

[PrincessPollo]

Yesterday I did the coconut oil treatment again. I've noticed that when the coconut oil is in her system the poop slides out nicely. I feel like she's leaking a little less. Shes been a little more active this morning!

I was able to get about 1/2 tsp of oil in her by myself today. But she is still strainng to poop when the coconut oil has passed through her system, especially in the morning. I also noticed a little slit in her vent, most likely from straining I did my normal a.m. clean up & dry off & put triple antibiotic (no pain relief) on her poor little vent.

Does this still sound consistent with constipation? I feel like I'm seeing some small positive results, but not sure if theres anything else I can do? Poop is still coming out, just sometimes it's easier than others.

Could this be some kind of infection?Would antibiotics help? I have tetracycline powder (prescribed to one of my adult birds...1/4 tsp per gal) and 500 mg amoxicillin capsules on hand.

Thanks for letting me pick your brains!
-Megan

 

[azygous]

It's not possible to know what's going on inside this chick. I can't think of anything other than an obstructed digestive system. If you have the antibiotic, go ahead and use it. But keep up with the oil and massage.

 

[PrincessPollo]

It's not possible to know what's going on inside this chick. I can't think of anything other than an obstructed digestive system. If you have the antibiotic, go ahead and use it. But keep up with the oil and massage.

I totally understand we don't know what's happening on the inside. I'll continue with the oil & massage for a couple more days since I think I'm seeing some progress.

As far as antibiotics go, can I use the same tetracycline dose for a half pound chick as an adult hen? (Not sure if you know or can point me in the right direction). I read on this forum somewhere that amoxicillin goes by weight & can be mixed with coconut oil to administer.

Thanks for all your help. I just want to do what I can before I need to make any hard decisions

 

[Ohregano]

Found this info, on another thread. Confirmed it on a few other threads, with the same dosage info.

Dose for Amoxicillin is 57 mg per pound of weight given orally twice a day for 10-14 days.

ETA: Potential dose for tetracycline.