Failure to thrive? Coccidiosis?

[KWVT]

I have a bantam chick that is not doing well. She is 1.5-2 weeks old and doesn’t seem like she is growing. She has been somewhat lethargic (sitting mostly. Sometimes with eyes closed) but is eating/drinking. Her crop seemed huge.

My first concern was some type of impacted crop. I tried separating her last night so I could verify if she was emptying her crop or if things were backed up. Her butt is clean, and she did empty her crop overnight. Her poop is a little wet and I see no signs of blood.

When I dropper her some water she seems to perk up for awhile, but then she seems lethargic again. I’ve had electrolytes and probiotics in the water. She is not happy about being alone and is chirping a lot.

Do I keep her apart and treat with corrid (is this coccidiosis?) or assume that it’s something else and maybe give her a buddy and just make sure she is eating and drinking?

I was worried she wasn’t going to make it through the night and then again I was expecting the worst when I got home from work, but she’s still pulling through. At this point I just don’t know the best way to move forward. Thoughts?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

What are you feeding? What temperature are you brooding at? In my experiences a healthy chick remains healthy. Sick acting chicks tend to have something wrong with them, though some have surprised me and have thrived after a few iffy weeks.

I would provide it with a good quality ration, fresh clean water, a clean brooder, fresh air, and a proper heat source, but also the ability to get away from it, and see how it does.

 

[KWVT]

She is on medicated feed, which is what she was on when I got her. I gave them a little bit of hard boiled egg one day last week.

I’m at between 95-90 degrees currently. She mostly stays close to the light, but is able to move away if she wants.

Do I worry about coccidiosis with these symptoms or no? I guess mainly I just am not sure if I leave her in with the others or keep her separated.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Definitely lower that heat, it's a bit too warm. I generally start at 85-90 and lower it to closer to 80-85 at 2 weeks of age. Chicks like to sit under the light because it's a substitute mom. It could be over heating.

I like to keep some brown sugar in my water the first week or two to give chicks a quick energy source, others use electrolytes, which I would add in to see if it helps.

I never feed medicated feed, nor have I ever dealt with coccidiosis. I believe you will see bloody poops. You shouldn't see it on medicated feeds. I believe a medicated feed blocks thiamine uptake, which is a b vitamin, so I personally never use. It can depend on where you live whether it's necessary or not.

 

[KWVT]

Update:

She has been holding her own and I put her back in with the others. She is still the smallest, but she has been growing slowly and is now solid on her feet. Her wings seem a bit raggity and her feathers haven’t come in as much, but she has some fight in her. She is up to 74g today (was 30g the first time I decided to weigh her). She’s almost 4 weeks old.

Here she is (front).


I’m still not sure how she will do in the long run, but for now I haven’t been worrying.