8 week old Welsummer-scrawny or sick?

[nhc920]

Hey there, I would really appreciate some input on this! I've got an 8 week old Welsummer cockerel (Bob, formerly Amelia), bought as a "pullet" from a local breeder. Grew at slower pace than the others, but after his comb emerged, I assumed it might be a breed trait for cockerels? I was letting it ride out but while the others have cleaned up after molting, he's been at this stage for 2 weeks.

At first he was by far the most active, first to fly, but now it's almost like he moves in slow motion, really slow and focused when foraging. Very gentle, comes up and rests in your palm, closes his eyes when being pet.

I had this thread made early yesterday, stayed busy 'til this morning, then woke to find this fellow laying down (seemingly sunbathing at the big window) in the coop while the others were more active. Much more worried now. Is there something going on here? I've never encountered this kind of behavior before, I'd genuinely appreciate any input!

 

[azygous]

Bob may be a rare "loner". But continue to observe him and monitor his poop. Those two things reveal the most about a chicken's health status.

 

[nhc920]

I'll keep an eye on that for sure, thanks azygous.

Coccidiosis symptoms seem to fit, especially the growth halt in young birds and general sluggishness. I quarantined him, disinfected the coop he had been in, and began a flockwide treatment of Corid. (Have two coops/runs separated by wire, for two young age groups. While they don't interact yet, could've transferred on tools/shoes.)

He's eaten and drank a fair amount, but is still clearly weak. This is my first time dealing with what I assume is coccidiosis in a young bird, so I'll update in case it could be useful for others.

 

[nhc920]

Unfortunately Bob didn't make it through last night. I'd fed him and given him the Corid medicated water frequently (with a dropper), but he remained really weak. I didn't see anything unusual in his poop the entire time he was isolated; his sluggish behavior and poor growth remained the only symptoms. The rest don't show any symptoms but I'll finish the Corid treatment as instructed.

What originally distinguished him from the other baby Welsummers was the fact that his growth had always been slower from day one. The others looked identical but he was long-legged with tinier wings, downier feathers, etc. It makes me wonder if there was something else wrong, maybe amplified if he'd been infected with coccidiosis. In the future, I don't think I'll write those differences off as easily.

On a personal note - I've lost old hens, but he's the first young one. Surprise rooster aren't a favorite, but I'd been happy about this one, looking forward to a full grown Welsummer rooster and his group of gals. Hurts that he wasn't able to experience a true goofy chicken life, but I know I gave him the best I could.

 

[azygous]

Sad endings aren't what we prefer. Bob was likely a failure-to-thrive chick. All it takes is a little genetic problem in the digestive system or heart and respiratory system, and a chick lacks the efficiency to process nutrients. They fall behind very quickly.

I have had a few. One managed to survive chick-hood and grow up, but he was stunted. He had gone to live with another flock at six weeks, and later he managed to slip through the mesh of his run due to his size, and he was scarfed up by a predator.

These FTT chicks seem doomed from the start. I doubt Bob was ever going to enjoy a "goofy" chicken life.