Bad day or sick?!?

[kimberdougl5]

My chicks are about 3 weeks old and thriving. I check on them constantly as I pass by there box constantly. I just noticed (my fave) chick is keeping her tail tucked, her feathers fluffed, and her eyes closed. She's also just not acting as sociable as usual. I warmed a towel and held her, checked her vent (clean), and even rubbed her belly for good measure. Should I go ahead and separate her? She's one of 8 chicks...TIA!!!

 

[MiniBirdsMi]

Yes, separate her and keep a close eye on her. She is sick or possibly injured. When they keep their eyes closed and neck pulled in like that it's a very good indicator something's not right. Bring her in if you can, get her warmed up, and keep us updated. See if you can prompt her into drinking once she's warmed up.

 

[ronott1]

Get come corid to have on hand if you decide to treat for coccidiosis

 

[kimberdougl5]

Yes, separate her and keep a close eye on her. She is sick or possibly injured. When they keep their eyes closed and neck pulled in like that it's a very good indicator something's not right. Bring her in if you can, get her warmed up, and keep us updated. See if you can prompt her into drinking once she's warmed up.

I gave her a little water by dropper (she wasn't happy about that) and a little coconut oil (wasn't impressed with that either). She has started "excessively grooming"- all the other chicks are running around and she's just grooming, grooming, grooming. It's been an hour since I first noticed her different behavior. I'm going to separate her now and we'll see how it goes. THANK YOU!!!

 

[kimberdougl5]

She is now separated from the rest and laying down. When she was still with the other chicks, they were all laying down sleeping and she was standing and sleeping in the midst of them all. Thank you for responding quickly!

 

[kimberdougl5]

Yes, separate her and keep a close eye on her. She is sick or possibly injured. When they keep their eyes closed and neck pulled in like that it's a very good indicator something's not right. Bring her in if you can, get her warmed up, and keep us updated. See if you can prompt her into drinking once she's warmed up.

She stays inside, we switched from a tub to a crate early yesterday and added a couple of roost bars. She was the 2nd chick to get up on the bar and roost.
I now have her separated and she's laying down instead of standing. Her friends are perching on top of their waterer and feeder trying to see her (she's in a tote next to their crate). They are calling to her and she is responding, but has stayed laying down. She doesn't seem interested in food or water.

 

[MiniBirdsMi]

I'm so sorry, she sounds like she's really not doing well. I'm concerned that she declined so quickly as well. Were these chicks from a hatchery and/or vaccinated? Are they on medicated food? I think it's a good idea to get a full history on these birds to try and find out the problem.
I really, really hate to say this, but please prepare yourself emotionally for the worst. By the sounds of things she may or may not make it through the night.

 

[kimberdougl5]

I'm so sorry, she sounds like she's really not doing well. I'm concerned that she declined so quickly as well. Were these chicks from a hatchery and/or vaccinated? Are they on medicated food? I think it's a good idea to get a full history on these birds to try and find out the problem.
I really, really hate to say this, but please prepare yourself emotionally for the worst. By the sounds of things she may or may not make it through the night.

We picked up all 8 from a friend of mine who bred and incubated specific breeds for us. They were not vaccinated. All have been healthy and very active. Even this chick was fine all day...and then she wasn't. I was afraid she might have injured herself falling off the perch, although I haven't seen any of them do that.
Thank you so much for your concern and help.

 

[kimberdougl5]

I'm so sorry, she sounds like she's really not doing well. I'm concerned that she declined so quickly as well. Were these chicks from a hatchery and/or vaccinated? Are they on medicated food? I think it's a good idea to get a full history on these birds to try and find out the problem.
I really, really hate to say this, but please prepare yourself emotionally for the worst. By the sounds of things she may or may not make it through the night.

She just pooped...hoping that's a good sign cuz it looks really normal...

 

[MiniBirdsMi]

Oh that is good, at least that means she hasn't been off food for too long and there's no huge digestive issues. Were you able to get her to take fluids yet?

I didn't see their post before, but I'm going to agree with Ron, it might be Coccidiosis, but given that they haven't been outdoors I'm not sure how they would get it. Have they been given anything in their brooding box from outside? Branches, bricks, bugs, vegetables etc.?

It's possible she was injured. Do you notice any changes, tenderness or swelling in her legs? She looks more sick than injured imo.