Chick laying on side, won't open her eyes

[sarahclarke138]

I have 7 chicks who are all around 10-15 days old. One has been laying on her side all morning and when I pick her up she doesn't bother to open her eyes. She'll even take a few steps and lay back down on her side, but her eyes are still closed. Does anyone have any advice? Should I even be worried?

 

[sarahclarke138]

I just held her for a moment and she pooped and it was very runny and yellow.

 

[sarahclarke138]

The poor girl finally passed.

 

[Eggcessive]

Welcome to BYC. I'm so sorry that no one answered your first posts earlier, and that your chick died. Because your chick could have had coccidiosis, you may want to purchase some Corid liquid or powder, in case any others look or act sick. Symptoms of coccidiosis are lethargy, puffing up or hunching over, poor appetite, ruffled feathers, and diarrhea with or without blood in stools. Treatment is Corid (amprollium, Ampromed) 2 tsp liquid in a gallon of water--treat for 5 days. Here is some info: http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2012/12/coccidiosis-what-backyard-chicken.html

 

[sarahclarke138]

Thanks, Eggcessive. I feel terrible I couldn't save the one, but I guess that happens sometimes. I want to do whatever I can to make sure it doesn't happen again. I got Corid powder today. If the chicks are eating medicated feed, is it helpful to use the Corid as a preventative? Or should it only be used if one is showing signs of coccidiosis (in which case I'd seperate them)? Thanks for the help!

 

[Eggcessive]

I would probably go ahead and treat them just to be safe. Others who have experienced this say they have used medicated starter while giving Corid without a problem. The medicated feed has just a tiny amount of amprollium in it.