Chick that may have aspirated

[Kella817]

I have a chick that may have aspirated. He somehow got out of the coop and I found him with a minor injury but it took 2 days to find him. I gave him some sugar water and I’m afraid he may have aspirated while doing this he was lethargic but is now walking around and eating but still seems a little off. I noticed 2 times he looked as if he almost did a gasp but then acts normal. I have azithromycin which is used to treat infection in children and I was reading it is sometimes used in Poultry. Does anyone know if it would be worth giving this chick a tiny droplet for a few days to prevent pneumonia? I feel so bad I hope I Just want it to live.

 

[boskelli1571]

I have a chick that may have aspirated. He somehow got out of the coop and I found him with a minor injury but it took 2 days to find him. I gave him some sugar water and I’m afraid he may have aspirated while doing this he was lethargic but is now walking around and eating but still seems a little off. I noticed 2 times he looked as if he almost did a gasp but then acts normal. I have azithromycin which is used to treat infection in children and I was reading it is sometimes used in Poultry. Does anyone know if it would be worth giving this chick a tiny droplet for a few days to prevent pneumonia? I feel so bad I hope I Just want it to live.

I think you should adopt a wait and see policy. Keep him warm, well fed and watered.
Even in humans there is little information on the efficacy of Zithromax for aspiration pneumonia.
This thread may help you:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/help-possible-aspiration.1199092

 

[Kella817]

Thank you so much!

 

[coach723]

Aspiration increases the risk of pneumonia but it doesn't mean it will happen. I've had birds aspirate and recover just fine. I also would wait and give it some time. Being absent for 2 days is enough for the chick to need time to recover just from that.