Chick eye issues, lethargy, not eating... suggestions?

[Trogdor]

Two weeks ago we attended an event with several breeders. We picked up 10 chicks from three separate breeders, 4 Marans, 4 buff orpington and two others which we are not completely sure of.

All are in a broader 3x5 with non medicated starter feed, heat lamp/water, pine shavings.

Three days ago we noticed that two of the Buff Orpingtons would not open their eyes or preen. They were eating well and drinking and would open their eyes to do so, but then stopped. Two days ago they isolated themselves to a corner and we've provided mash, cleaned eyes w sterile water, but still not eating or opening eyes.

Today two other birds appear somewhat lethargic, one has just one eye closed.

Stool is not discoloured or wet. Eyes do not appear swollen.

I reached out to the breeder of the Buff Orpingtons so hope they will return my call. Any suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Is there any discharge from the eyes or any other symptoms of respiratory illness?

Photos of the poop may be helpful.

With chicks coming from different sources, a couple of things come to mind - respiratory disease and coccidiosis. Having a fecal float is always a good idea, but if that is not possible, then you may want to consider treating them with Corid.

 

[Trogdor]

Thanks for your reply! Can't get our hands on Corid here in Canada, so looking for alternatives.

Cleaned eyes with sterile saline in case there was an irritant, will open up but they go back to closing them.

Poop seems fine, no discolouration or blood.

All display laboured breathing.

Any thoughts on other things that may help?



 

[Wyorp Rock]

Thank you for the updated photos

Your chick's eye looks swollen. If they are having labored breathing, then likely they have a respiratory disease. Mycoplasma, Infectious Bronchitis, Infectious Coryza and ILT are common.

Do you have access to anyantibiotics? In Canada, I don't know what you may be able to get. Look for Tylan50 first, if not, then one of the "cyclines". Antibiotics won't cure respiratory disease, but can help with secondary infections. Having testing performed is always best so you know what disease you are dealing with. Keep in mind that respiratory diseases make birds carriers of the illness for life. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ps044

As for the Corid look for Amprolium/Amprol. Someone in Canada like @chickens really or @Wickedchicken6 may have information where you can find that. Alternatively, you can use sulfa drugs.

Try to encourage the chicks to drink and eat and continue to flush the eyes when they have a discharge.

 

[chickens really]

Hello...I have never had coccidiosis so I'm not sure where or what you can use?..Contact Rochester Hatchery and generally they can direct you to a source. I feed medicated Chick starter till 8 or 9 weeks.
I use this for respiratory issues in Chickens. Doesn't cure them from disease, only secondary infection being no cure for Respiratory disease. This was recommended by University Poultry Vet.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

View attachment 1380233 View attachment 1380234 Hello...I have never had coccidiosis so I'm not sure where or what you can use?..Contact Rochester Hatchery and generally they can direct you to a source. I feed medicated Chick starter till 8 or 9 weeks.
I use this for respiratory issues in Chickens. Doesn't cure them from disease, only secondary infection being no cure for Respiratory disease. This was recommended by University Poultry Vet.

Thank you

 

[Wickedchicken6]

Good morning! I'm so sorry that you are having a difficult time with the chicks you purchased.

For Amprolium here in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, I believe it must be obtained directly from a vet. My vet stocks it by the gallon jug, but they will measure out smaller amounts if you have fewer chickens. That's what our vet does. They paste the mixing instructions on the bottle they give you.

Ontario has different rules than Manitoba and even Alberta regarding some of the animal/poultry products that are available. I am not familiar with the powdered medicines that are allowed in Ontario but it appears that the TSC stores do stock the following water-soluble antibiotics. If you have co-op feed stores, independent feed stores, possibly Masterfeed feed stores (and I'm sure there are others I'm not familiar with) may carry these soluble powders as well.

https://www.tscstores.com/400G-NEO-CHLOR-P3928.aspx
https://www.tscstores.com/100G-SUPER-BOOSTER-P3926.aspx
https://www.tscstores.com/400G-TETRACYCLINE-250-P23785.aspx


The following company has more products under the heading "Antibiotics and Sulfonamides. I haven't seen some of these here but perhaps they are available in your area.
http://www.domvet.com/

The Oxytetra-A soluble powder that chickens really posted is manufactured by Dom-vet and is available here.

All of the above-listed antibiotics are labelled for use with chickens. There may be other antibiotics that are not labelled for use in chickens. Unless a vet has prescribed an off-label drug for use in chickens, a person is not supposed to use off-label antibiotics. Just to make you aware.

 

[chickens really]

Good morning! I'm so sorry that you are having a difficult time with the chicks you purchased.

For Amprolium here in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, I believe it must be obtained directly from a vet. My vet stocks it by the gallon jug, but they will measure out smaller amounts if you have fewer chickens. That's what our vet does. They paste the mixing instructions on the bottle they give you.

Ontario has different rules than Manitoba and even Alberta regarding some of the animal/poultry products that are available. I am not familiar with the powdered medicines that are allowed in Ontario but it appears that the TSC stores do stock the following water-soluble antibiotics. If you have co-op feed stores, independent feed stores, possibly Masterfeed feed stores (and I'm sure there are others I'm not familiar with) may carry these soluble powders as well.

https://www.tscstores.com/400G-NEO-CHLOR-P3928.aspx
https://www.tscstores.com/100G-SUPER-BOOSTER-P3926.aspx
https://www.tscstores.com/400G-TETRACYCLINE-250-P23785.aspx


The following company has more products under the heading "Antibiotics and Sulfonamides. I haven't seen some of these here but perhaps they are available in your area.
http://www.domvet.com/

The Oxytetra-A soluble powder that chickens really posted is manufactured by Dom-vet and is available here.

All of the above-listed antibiotics are labelled for use with chickens. There may be other antibiotics that are not labelled for use in chickens. Unless a vet has prescribed an off-label drug for use in chickens, a person is not supposed to use off-label antibiotics. Just to make you aware.

Yes here we require a (PID) card for any medicated stuff for livestock. Something's are only Vet prescribed..

 

[Wickedchicken6]

Yes here we require a (PID) card for any medicated stuff for livestock. Something's are only Vet prescribed..

Yes. We don't have that here...yet.

 

[Trogdor]

Thanks everyone for your responses.

Was able to get electrolytes and Neo Chlor, appreciate the suggestions!

Diluted the antibiotic, and was able to administer easily with a dropper.

They've all opened their eyes and sought out food which is great.

Will keep you posted!

Wings crossed.