5 week old maran won't eat feed

[brenda84]

I'm new to raising chicks and I have 5 marans that are 5 weeks old. Four are doing great, but I have one who decided a week ago she no longer wants to eat her starter feed. She will scarf down scrambled eggs or oats, just not the chick feed. She also won't drink on her own, so I've been giving her water with an eye dropper. She was the same size as the others for a while, then it seemed like she suddenly stopped growing as fast and is now half their size. Her crop is never full and I am at a loss as to what could be wrong. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Poop is normal, just a small amount. Alert and not fluffed up, but falls asleep standing and seems reluctant to lie down with the others.

 

[Eggcessive]

Are they still in a brooder or do they get out on grass? Are they getting chick grit for anything they eat that isn't chick feed? Do you suppose she has swallowed something that may be blocking her GI tract (gizzard?) At 5 weeks they can get coccidiosis. The symptoms are lethargy, poop appetite and not wanting to drink, puffing up or huddling, and diarrhea (may or may not have blood.) Corid or amprollium in the water is the treatment for 5 days.