6.5 week old chick- heavy breathing and puffed up

[Kera]

I have a 6.5 week old chick- buff orp- this AM she started breathing heavily (her sides are heaving) and she has her feathers puffed. She falls asleep as soon as I pick her up.

She has eaten today and drank this morning for sure.

She's been in the coop with her sisters (all 6.5 weeks old) for 2 days.
Temps at night dipping into low 50s. Days in 80s.

I am new to this and afraid I may lose her. Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[featherz]

Have they had access to any dirt? at that age, puffing up etc could mean cocci, especially if they've just been placed out in the coop and have been out in the dirt. I'd consider getting them some Corid and medicating them all, as that's the prime age for cocci. Temps are fine for that age, IMO.

 

[Kera]

thank you- yes, they have been eating dirt and sand.
Where do I get Corid?

Thank you for the reply. I just checked her crop- it is empty, the others all have full crops.

 

[featherz]

Do you have a feed store near you like tractor supply? They should have it. Are they on medicated feed?

 

[Kera]

Yes, it is closed for the night, but I'll call in the morning. Thanks!

Medicated feed- yes.

I set up the brooder in the garage with a heat lamp and put her back in it. She just ate a little feed with yogurt and drank a few drops of water with ACV from a dropper for me.

She seems to perk up for a minute or two- then she is right back to huddling down and breathing hard.



Thanks for your help-