Hmm, one of our Buff Orpingtons (almost five weeks old) seems to be going downhill fast. They all seemed fine yesterday and this morning when I took them outside she looked pale compared to her sisters. Then I noticed her off by herself kind of puffed up. I held her and she was very docile. Too docile, you know what I mean? I went out later and same thing. I brought her inside to make her and egg and asked my daughter to hold her - Clementine made a "nest" out of a play pot for her and the chicken is just sitting quietly in the middle of the living room in it, not peeping, not getting up. Clearly not a good sign. I'm worried about her, obviously, but I'm also worried about the rest of the chickens getting whatever is ailing her. What should I be looking for/doing? We didn't get them vaccinated. They were on medicated feed (just went through one bag and then switched to unmedicated. They get scrambled eggs a few times a week and go outside almost every day. They always have chick grit in their food. The people who lived here before us had chickens, but that was over a year ago. Our chickens can go where those chickens were. They had turf in their brooder starting when they were little. Help!
It does sound like Cocidiosis. Treat with Corid and make sure they all drink it. Dip their beaks into it if they you do not see them drinking.
Use 20% soluble powder
Mix 1/4 tsp per quart. Once mixed, it is good for 2 days
Give it to them as the only source of water for 5 days
Give them another course at half strength for another 5 days
Some breeds are more susceptible to Coci than others. Luckily they recover quickly. Yes, treat them all. The medicated feed does not cure it. It is supposed to allow them to build resistance.
Keep us posted!
