Found Lost Broiler Breed, sick and seems traumatized. Need advice

[jalfano]

Hello, my brother found what seems to be a broiler breed, or a cornish X in Coney Island, NY, wandering around on the street. He took her home because I have chickens and he thought that I would be able to take her in. She looks very weak and lethargic, all the feathers are missing from her back side and some from her belly. She doesn't seem to be injured. She stands in one place and closes her eyes, occasionally will peck at food and water. I currently have layers and don't have experience with a meat bird. I read they usually do not live very long, not sure what to do with this poor girl. We are going to give her some worm medication and she doesn't seem to have mites, but I think it would be too traumatizing to try to introduce her to my flock. Any advice welcome.

 

[Eggcessive]

Welcome to BYC. I don't have meat birds, but I have heard that they can have patchy feathering with bare spots. Standing puffed up, lethargy, and not eating sound like coccidiosis, especially if she is having diarrhea. Corid or amprollium may help her if that's what is wrong with her. Dosage is 2 tsp of the liquid, or 1.5 tsp of the powder per gallon of water for 5-7 days. There is no egg or meat withdrawal with Corid.

 

[sbhkma]

Whatever you do, do NOT put her with your flock. If she has anything contagious you're going to expose your flock to it. Tend to the existing flock first, THEN tend to this gal, so you're not bringing anything from her to them. Deworming is a good plan, and as Eggcessive recommended, treat with corid for possible cocci. Vitamins and probiotics (you can get both at tractor supply) mixed in food and/or water would be helpful too. Good luck with this poor thing!