8 week old BO, feathers puffed out, wings droopy -- appears to be nearing the end

[CovenantCreek]

I have a Buff Orp chick that isn't doing well -- all the other chicks are all healthy and active. Her feathers have been puffed out, including around her head and neck, and her wings were drooping. This morning she seems to be ready to give up. Last night I offered her some feed (non-medicated chick starter crumbles from the local co-op) and initially she acted very hungry, but after taking one piece she wouldn't take any more. I doubt that she's had any water in awhile. I've brought her in the house to warm up, but I'm wondering what else I can do to maybe get her feeling stronger and able to fight off whatever this is. Any ideas about what this might be or what I can do to help her?

 

[Habibs Hens]

is there blood in poop

that looks like teh common symptoms to cocci

 

[CovenantCreek]

I haven't seen anything that looks like blood in poop out in the stalls, but I'll definitely look for it if she poops on the towel she's wrapped up in. What should I look for among the other chicks, or do for them, to make sure they aren't affected also?

 

[aaggjg]

Sounds like cocci. There is not always blood in the poop. The typical symptoms are puffed up feathers, droopy wing, lethargic , standing in corner....

I'd get some corid ASAP. The liquid kind 9.6% I think it is.... Add 1 Tbs to a gallon of water. I would also make a mash of crumbles with this same water. That way anything she puts in her mouth will help her. If you can't find corid you can use sulmet but it is much harder on the chickens system!!! So the preferred treatment is Corid.... Also, Sulmet has an antibiotic whereas corid doesn't. Do a search for Corid treatment here and you'll get tons of great advice!!

Good luck. You have to start treatment ASAP as cocci can kill in a few days!

 

[CovenantCreek]

Thank you! I was able to pick up the liquid and have given her a mash with it (diluted as you directed) and she's devouring it.

Last question (I hope) -- should I give the rest of the flock the same medicated water (or perhaps one waterer with it and one without) to prevent any others from getting sick, or wait to see if anyone else shows symptoms?

 

[aaggjg]

It wouldn't hurt to dose the other chicks..... Cocci is everywhere and the earlier you treat it the better for your chickens as it can have long lasting effects on their ability to thrive. I forgot to mention that you give them a 5 day course of treatment with corid in their water. Then it is good to follow up adding yogurt to their feed & ACV to their water to help rebuild the good gut bacteria..... Do not give them the yogurt before that as cocci thrives on protein!!!

You should see an improvement within a few days..... Good luck and keep us posted.