Crazy eyed chicks!!!

[FiddleChics]

Hi, I had seven, 8 week old chicks that I got from a reputable, local farm. They came vaccinated for Mareks Disease, and I feed Mana Pro - medicated chick food. I use large pine chips from Tractor Supply, along with dry, long needle pine - I gather from out back for their bedding.

Within 2 weeks, I lost my Jersey Blue to all the same symptoms I'm recognizing now in my Wyandotte chick. I didn't know the Jersey Blue was was sick until it was too late... and sadly, didn't know to do anything. So when the Buff Orpington began keeping her 3rd eyelid closed - 12 days ago, & was lethargic (compared to the others), and would occasionally shake her head... I got worried. The Buff Orpington was - (compared to the NJ Red chicks, and Black Australorp chicks) barely 1/2 their size - and not nearly as active. But she seemed to be eating, drinking and pooping.

Then, last week, I noticed the Gold Laced Wyandotte began to have the same symptoms with her eyes. I put Sav-A-Chick probiotic & electrolytes in the 2 water bottles. But after 2 days, saw no improvement.

I knew I had better act fast. I sought out the knowledgable man who runs the chicken section at our local Tractor supply... & on his advice I purchased Tylan 50 injectable. I gave the dose - orally to the 2 chicks - .10 of a tiny syringe - 2x a day - for 5 days, and they are doing better... just a little warmer than the other chicks (fever?)... but they more or less - seem better except they still occasionally show this eye thing!? Both chicks are eating, drinking, pooping & yet.... they're not quite as active as the NJ Reds & Black Austrolorps (which are MUCH larger than they are so that may be a variable too).

I don't know the variations or particular quirks of different breeds of chickens... and only have 1 Buff, and 1 Wyandotte... so nothing to compare it to. Are Buff Orpingtons more mellow than other types? The Gold Lace Wyandotte was scrappy & zippy from the get go, so when she was lethargic - it was noticeable. Now she's zippy... but this EYE THING!!!! I also gently wiped their eyes with Microcyn AH -the pink eye solution... being careful not to transfer anything to either eye... fresh cotton each eye.

And lastly, 1x a day, I was giving the recommended dose -each of Nutri-Drench... figuring anything to bolster and strengthen them up, would be good... I'm not sure if maybe it's just the breed that sleeps with their eyes, all weird like that??? But I never noticed it before. The last thing I'd ever want to do is be over medicating them, or doing something wrong and harm them. I'd value any input!!!

Thanks for reading!

Below: purchased as relatively the same age... 1-2 weeks old. The Black Australorps, Jersey Reds = large chicks... but the Buff Orpington & Wyandotte (perched on the feeder) are 1/2 the size of the others.

Here's this crazy eye thing!!!!!!!! WHAT is that about?

 

[Eggcessive]

Since coccidiosis can be very common in chicks this age, I would get them all started on some Corid(amprollium) in their water for 7 days. Corid is sold in the cattle medicines of feed stores. Mix 2 tsp of the liquid Corid or 1.5 tsp of the powder Corid in each gallon of water, and change it daily. Make sure all chicks are drinkin plenty, or give it to them in a dropper. I would also use so plain yogurt mixed into their feed with a little water (use Corid water) to get some probiotics into them.

Aree you seeing any bubbles in the eyes or nasal drainage, or any sneezing and head shaking?

 

[FiddleChics]

Hi Eggcessive, Thank you SO much for your reply. I'm not seeing bubbles in any eyes or any nasal drainage, and I did check for that. I did notice however, that I can feel heat in both the Buff & the Wyandotte (like a child with a fever) when I hold them. The Buff - DEFINITELY has a head shake. I can go get Corid at Tractor Supply. Thank you for the dosage and I'll go try that first thing tomorrow. The chicks all drink plenty of water, I do watch that... I have plain, greek yogurt on hand and will mix that with their crumble in the am!!!

 

[FiddleChics]

Since coccidiosis can be very common in chicks this age, I would get them all started on some Corid(amprollium) in their water for 7 days. Corid is sold in the cattle medicines of feed stores. Mix 2 tsp of the liquid Corid or 1.5 tsp of the powder Corid in each gallon of water, and change it daily. Make sure all chicks are drinkin plenty, or give it to them in a dropper. I would also use so plain yogurt mixed into their feed with a little water (use Corid water) to get some probiotics into them.

Aree you seeing any bubbles in the eyes or nasal drainage, or any sneezing and head shaking?

Good Morning, I was reading up even more on this Coccidiosis this morning. I'm keeping the chicks in a very large cage, and I clean it every morning... fresh chips & pine needles... and I wipe off the brooder lid - w/ a natural vinegar cleaner... as they like to sit on top of it also. The cage is kept pretty clean...

My question is... Do you think I should separate the 2 that are struggling & weaker... and if I do, will that cause them more stress than they already have - since they're not feeling well? Do you think it will make it harder to bring them back into the flock later on?

I am off for the feed store & will definitely put the Corid in ALL the water bottles for everyone for the next 7 days. It won't be overkill with the medicated chick food?

 

[Eggcessive]

It won’t hurt to still feed the medicated feed since the amount of amprollium in it is so small that it will not overdose them. I would leave them all together if possible unless someone is being trampled.

Make sure the bedding is dry, and stir it daily, and add a fresh topping when needed.

It sounds like the weaker two will need extra care. You can give them 2 drops twice daily of the undilted Corid to give them a boost. If you buy powder Corid, mix 1.5 tsp in 10 ml or 2 tsp of water. That is equal to undiluted liquid Corid. Then make sure they drink throughout the day. Food is not as important as drinking.

 

[FiddleChics]

It won’t hurt to still feed the medicated feed since the amount of amprollium in it is so small that it will not overdose them. I would leave them all together if possible unless someone is being trampled.

Make sure the bedding is dry, and stir it daily, and add a fresh topping when needed.

It sounds like the weaker two will need extra care. You can give them 2 drops twice daily of the undilted Corid to give them a boost. If you buy powder Corid, mix 1.5 tsp in 10 ml or 2 tsp of water. That is equal to undiluted liquid Corid. Then make sure they drink throughout the day. Food is not as important as drinking.

THANK you SO SO much. I've called our local farm store (which is a solid hour's drive from me)... and they have Corid in stock. I'm headed out there this am. I never would have thought of the 2 drops each in addition to the water, excellent. For a boost I was also giving them Nutri-Drench.

For natural, immune building for the chicks, I am alternating between adding ACV to their water or a sliver of garlic to their water on alternate days. I also dice up fresh oregano & garlic in their feed which they all love, so they gobble it up. I"m hoping the natural approach will aid them and it hasn't gotten too too bad. Beginning Corid today for the next 7 - in everyone's clear water will be a relief.

I can't say thank you enough - for your invaluable advice... and feed back on this thread. I have a plan of action now. Yay!

 

[Eggcessive]

After starting Corid, hold off on the NutriDrench until after Corid, so you don’t give them extra thiamine (Corid mimics thiamine to kill coccidia.) Probiotic plain yogurt is fine though, and helpful to their gut bacteria. Let us know how they get along.

 

[FiddleChics]

After starting Corid, hold off on the NutriDrench until after Corid, so you don’t give them extra thiamine (Corid mimics thiamine to kill coccidia.) Probiotic plain yogurt is fine though, and helpful to their gut bacteria. Let us know how they get along.

OH!!! Ok!! VERY good to know... and I've made note of this. I will continue with the yogurt & herbs - (they got yogurt this morning with their feed) I didn't add Corid water yet - as I have to get out and fetch that from the store) but That will start today - ASAP!

I have 2 water bottles with nipples, that they all drink from. I'll put the Corid in both! Thank you for the mixture amounts. I've got those ratios written down -in my notes.
And yes! I'll post how they're doing in a week! Again - Thank you so much.

 

[Granny Hatchet]

You could be picking up cocci and mites from the pine needles .

 

[FiddleChics]

After starting Corid, hold off on the NutriDrench until after Corid, so you don’t give them extra thiamine (Corid mimics thiamine to kill coccidia.) Probiotic plain yogurt is fine though, and helpful to their gut bacteria. Let us know how they get along.

Good Morning! I'm day 4 into the Corid - in the chick's drinking water & I'm VERY happy to report a very noticeable increase in energy level, curiosity and strength, as well as good solid, normal looking droppings - in the 2 weak, smaller chicks. Everyone's still getting Corid in their water, and appetites are up and all is good! another 3 days in their water and we should be home free! I'll touch base then!