I bought a young gray silkie chick recently, and for a fe days it was just fine. It's about a week old now, and seems to be acting quite strange. It can't stay awake, and is always asleep with its head on the ground. It hasn't eaten very much, practically nothing, and is not drinking water either. The other chicks are starting to trample over it, so I speared it temporarily. Does any one know what might be causing it to act like this? I'm afraid it might die, so I just want to know what to do to help it. Thank you!
I would recommend purchasing Corid(amrolium) or might be called Amprol(amprolium)depending where you live. Corid/Amprol is used to treat Coccidiosis,cocci is a parasitic infection of the intestinal tract and is the leading cause of death among chicks. Some symptoms of cocci are:runny/watery poop(may or may not contain blood,depends on which strain it is)fluffed feather,lethargic,not eating/drinking,general look of unwell.
Dose for Corid 9.6% liquid is 2 tsp per gallon of water,dose for Corid 20% powder is 1-1.5 tsp per gallon of water,medicate ALL chicks for 5-7 days. Make sure medicated water is their only source of drinking water,do not give vitamins during treatment as they interfere with the ability of the coccidiostat to work,give vitamins after treatment is complete.
Research Coccidiosis so you know all there is.
Note: you can also add warm medicated water to feed(so it resembles oatmeal)this way you have the added benefit of knowing chicks are getting enough amprolium. Discontinue in feed once they start eating/drinking,but keep in water for the 5-7 days.
Adding warm water to chick feed encourages eating,as most chicks love this and it is easier for the frail ones to eat.
Corid can be found in the cattle section of most feed/livestock stores,it will say for cattle,but is perfectly safe for poultry and is what is recommended. If you live in Canada,it has to be purchased through a vet.