8 week old Silver Seabright cockeral acting sick?

[leithsloft]

Hi all! I noticed this morning that my 8 week old boy wasn't feeling good. I just found out he was a "seabright" was told at the store that he was a pullet and a light brahma...wrong. He just started to try to crow this week but this morning, nothing. I let them out (7 pullets and 2 guineas) into the chicken tractor and he stayed in the corner with a fluffed up neck and head feathers, tail down and not wanting to graze which is really unusual for him. His comb seems light pink compared to a rosier color. He also is twitching his butt. Meaning a up and down motion. I looked at his underside, and all looks fine. He is lethargic and just wants to be left alone. I mixed up some honey and braggs vinegar water for him and he drank quite a bit. Not sure what's going on but I read that Mareks disease is popular with this breed. Should I be concerned? The rest of the group is fine and acting normal. I would hate for the rest to contract a disease. Thanks!

 

[Wyandottes7]

He may have Coccidiosis, which is a relatively common disease, especially in young birds around his age. Coccidiosis can cause lethargy, lack of appetite, excessive thirst, and diarhea. Is he eating at all? It would probably be a good idea to get some Corid (amprolium) and start treatment, just in case this is the problem. Corid is usually sold for cattle and comes in powder and liquid; you should be able to find some at a livestock supply store.

 

[leithsloft]

Thank you for replying, I appreciate it. About an hour and a half after he drank and drank the honey/vinegar water he was acting much happier and started foraging. This morning he is bright eyed and his normal feisty self! In fact so feisty, that for the first time as I was giving them treats, he grabbed one of my wyandotte pullets by the throat and pulled her halfway across the coop while she screamed. I had to grab him to get him to let go and let him know, I was not happy. I just hope this doesn't continue and also the reason I did not want a rooster. He actually is half the size of the girls so I was shocked at his strength and boldness. Thanks for helping!