4 wk old chick not feeling well?

[Lucretia]

Hello all! We own a small flock of ten chicks (4 Red Star, 4 White Rock, 2 Barred Rock). They're about four weeks old, and almost ready to move into their coop. Yesterday I noticed that one of the Red Star chicks was acting lethargic, sitting under the brooder lamp with her wings kind of drooping. Whenever I put my hand into the brooder all the chicks coming running over to sit on my hand/arm, but she kind of tucks herself away in the corner and doesn't seem too interested.

I've got her in the old little brooder with a heat lamp right now, don't have a poo sample to judge just yet. But does anyone have any idea what might be the trouble? The other chicks all seem very happy and healthy. They get crumbles and we toss in some chopped grass and baby lettuce leaves for variety.

Any help would be great! I'm really worried about the little lady!

~Lu

 

[emilyweck]

Hi there! I don't think there is really enough information of symptoms yet. Is she getting polyvisol or some other vitamins in her water? Is she actually eating or drinking anything? Poor little girl

 

[Lucretia]

No...no vitamins. They've been getting medicated chick crumbles and the greens like I said, but I didn't know about the vitamins. We have a gallon waterer, which we usually fill up about halfway. Would I add polyvisol directly to the waterer, or give it to her by syringe? If I put in the water, how much would I put in?

Poor girl! I hate that she doesn't feel well.

She seems to be a little better at the moment...I just noticed her preening. I'll keep an eye on her appetite and let you know anything else I notice.

Thanks for replying.

~Lu

 

[Lucretia]

Well, I put a drop of polyvisol in her dish of water and she was drinking it. She drank quite a bit, actually. She also ate some crumbles out of my hand. Her poo looks normal. The only odd thing I noticed is that she kind of shakes her head a bit, every once in a while. Other than that, and sleeping a lot, she seems to be ok.

I don't know if that helps identify what could be wrong with her...any more insight would be much appreciated!

~Lu

 

[Barnyard]

I would watch for Cocci. Sounds kinda like that to me just by what you are saying.... watch for blood in the poop.

 

[Lucretia]

Yikes! I hope that's not what it is! I'll keep an eye on it. Would this be likely even if they are being given medicated feed?

~Lu

 

[Barnyard]

yes it would be likely. I have all my chicks on medicated feed and I still have one that I am treating for this right now. All the other's are acting fine.... she is acting lethargic and is staying puffed up and in a corner. Keep a close eye on her!!