Araucana 3 to 4 weeks old lethargic and almost always sleeping - Help Pls

[uktech]

Sorry, posted this in the wrong section so moving it to here.

Two days ago I acquired three Araucana chicks from a local place. They are supposed to be 4 weeks old but I'm not so sure about that as they are almost a third the size of my 6 week old chicks (light sussex, leghorn etc). Is this even normal?

Initially, I tried to integrate them with the rest of the flock but they were bullied quite badly so had to separate them. Plus I hadn't realised I should have quarantined these girls first. I did that, and on day one all three were fine reacting to the environment and the noises and being inquisitive like they should.

Day 2 and 3, one of them has become lazier than the other two to the point that now it's just sleeping. You could make whatever noise you like it won't flinch other than briefly open it's eyes.

Poo is pure water from what I've seen, on at least 4 consecutive occasions.
Crop is full. They are on a high protein diet (18%) like the rest of my chicks.
I've put food in front of her...boiled egg or the regular food, she isn't interested.
Feathers are somewhat ruffled but more important is she can't hold her own wings up in a normal position. Either they rest on the ground/table or on my hands

I have ordered Coxoid so waiting for that to arrive but not sure if that is what she requires.

I've attached some pics and I have also recorded a video

Any and all help appreciated as I really don't want to lose her.

 

[uktech]

Really sad to have her go like this but now I'm worried about the other two. All three were/are quarantined in a makeshift brooder box in my office. They spend the night here and the day in the shade outside in a separate section next to the older chicks.

It has been extremely hot here last 4 or 5 days, much hotter than what the chicks are used to. Temps have been ranging between 33 and 37 Celcius. Could this be heat exhaustion? Did I get to her too late on that basis? mouth wide open, rapid breathing, wings extended out or dropped to the sides, puffed feathers... The difference is where the older chicks are, they have created a makeshift dust bath for themselves and it's a nice shade. Where these three are/were it's shaded but still very hot.

I've made some electrolyte water and given them that. They are drinking plenty, eating not so much even though their crops are very full.

 

[eaking]

Could this be heat exhaustion? Did I get to her too late on that basis? mouth wide open, rapid breathing, wings extended out or dropped to the sides, puffed feathers...

That absolutely sounds like heat exhaustion to me. Sounds like you need more shade / access to cool(er) water and maybe some fans / misters?

 

[uktech]

Can't be 100% sure as there were no stools with blood but everything that this chick went through is identical to what my 8 week old is going through right now, the difference being I have the right medication to handle it.

The only difference is this black one passed during the blistering heatwave we had which made me think it could be heat exhaustion, however right now it's mild weather with rain but symptoms were all the same.

Anyway I'll end this chapter here. Just thought I'd update in case anyone ever goes through the same.

 

[uktech]

Has she been eating and drinking?

Last night I checked all their crops, they were full, like mini goofballs but they had spent the day roaming outside in a pen with food and water. Her crop is somewhat full right now but a lot softer. I've tried giving her food, she isn't taking it. Water I have only seen her take sips, but she has pooped on my table at least 4 times and it's what you see in the picture.

One more thing, when I feel her body under all the feathers, it's like it's just bones

 

[orloffer]

I am not experienced with chicken ailments, but hopefully someone who is will come along shortly. Good luck with your chicks; I hope they pull through and get better!
By the way, I do not think those are Araucanas.

 

[uktech]

By the way, I do not think those are Araucanas.

Thank you and I was hoping someone might pickup on that small detail. I can only say what I was sold them as, however right now their health is of the utmost importance. Whatever breed or mix they are, they are the kids favorite characters and must survive.

 

[uktech]

Took her outside to put her near the rest. She tried to walk but fell face first. She tried to get back up but then fell sideways. Really sad to watch.

Forced her to take a few sips of water but I don't think she'll make it past the next 24 hours

She's not chirping at all. The only time she's awake trying to look around and maintain balance is when I'm carrying her.

No clue what this is or what has bought it on.

 

[eaking]

Yeah, it sounds like she's really, really sick. Can you take her to the vet? We had a chick that was very sleepy / lethargic but she could stand and eat and drink. She had stunted growth and we lost her to a hawk right before we were going to take her in. I'm terrified you are about to lose her

 

[uktech]

Vet wasn't available until tomorrow. Plan was to go, but sadly chick has passed already ☹

Thank you for taking the time to respond.