5 week chick very small, lethargic "failure to thrive"?

[rlathrop]

no nasal drainage or watery/foamy eyes. Just the mouth breathing and occasional gasping. I was wondering if I should try tylan if she doesnt get better. How long before I would expect to see improvement with the corid if its coccid?
thanks for your help - I had thought our first little chick was just weak and maybe had a congenital problem, but now the second one is sick I am worried about them all dying. She does not want to be separated from the others, so I figured she would be warmer roosting next to them where she wants to be. And I don't have anywhere separate to put her tonight.

 

[Eggcessive]

If she is contagious they would have already been exposed. They won't be harmed if they drink the Corid, except if they really did get the vaccine, it will be negated. Yes, it the Corid doesn't seem to be helping after 2 days, the Tylan may be a good idea. Keep us posted on how she is doing.

 

[rlathrop]

She's getting worse this morning. Hunched, lethargic, and seems to be breathing heavy. I can see her "neck" area expand when she breathes. Also, I think she feels overly warm when I pick her up - not sure how to take a chickens temperature, or if its relevant! I am off to TSC to get some Tylan. Dosage?

I thought she was getting better yesterday evening - she was eating and drinking, but she went downhill overnight. She is 6 grams heavier than yesterday so not losing weight (yet).

 

[rlathrop]

I just checked at TSC - they only have the calf size Tylan 200. ITs $44. I just spent $20 on the Corid. These chickens cost $3 each. So, although they are much loved pets, $64 is starting to look like a lot to try to save a chicken. I will try to find a smaller size.... In the meantime - are there other alternatives? Can I use penicillin in chickens?

 

[rlathrop]

How about duramycin (oxytetracycline) orally? She's so small and I have never injected chicks before, so not confident I can do it safely.

 

[rlathrop]

In case this is a clue: she is now sitting/walking with her head tilted to her right. I am going to spring for the Tylan, seeing as that's what people seem to think is the best antibiotic. Really don't want my kids to have another pet chicken die this week.