HELP! Lethargic 6 week old won’t drink water

[Melgug]

I noticed one of my chicks laying down in the brooder unusual behavior for her. I tried giving water- she won’t drink or eat. What do I do? I can’t tell about her droppings. She is so sleepy this is so unsusual for her. I wish I had someone to call to help me with these chicks. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I noticed one of my chicks laying down in the brooder unusual behavior for her. I tried giving water- she won’t drink or eat. What do I do? I can’t tell about her droppings. She is so sleepy this is so unsusual for her. I wish I had someone to call to help me with these chicks. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Coccidiosis is a top consideration. Only one or two of the 9-11 strains known to effect poultry *may* present as blood in the droppings.

Treatment with Corid is over the counter (walmart, TSC, other feed stores) or a prescription sulfa drug in the US.. Direct drench dosing to the beak will be required since off feed already. Also do NOT supplement vitamins during treatment with Corid (amprol) as it works by mimicking thiamine to starve out and slow the growth of the coccidia.. which are always present and only a problem in excess amounts.. often caused by warm humid conditions like those of a brooder.

Second considerations are crop blockage.. is it hard or full or squishy even though she isn't eating or drinking? Or is is flat as you would expect from a bird off feed?

While not usually seen this late.. also please make sure the vent (butt) is clear an not pasted over with droppings.

What are you currently feeding? Any reason to be considering malnutrition? Are you in the US?

Hope you chick recovers quickly!

 

[Melgug]

Coccidiosis is a top consideration. Only one or two of the 9-11 strains known to effect poultry *may* present as blood in the droppings.

Treatment with Corid is over the counter (walmart, TSC, other feed stores) or a prescription sulfa drug in the US.. Direct drench dosing to the beak will be required since off feed already. Also do NOT supplement vitamins during treatment with Corid (amprol) as it works by mimicking thiamine to starve out and slow the growth of the coccidia.. which are always present and only a problem in excess amounts.. often caused by warm humid conditions like those of a brooder.

Second considerations are crop blockage.. is it hard or full or squishy even though she isn't eating or drinking? Or is is flat as you would expect from a bird off feed?

While not usually seen this late.. also please make sure the vent (butt) is clear an not pasted over with droppings.

What are you currently feeding? Any reason to be considering malnutrition? Are you in the US?

Hope you chick recovers quickly!

Thanks for the response. I am currently feeding scratch & peck organic starter. I just switched to it from new country organic brand after running out. I can’t get treatment today because everything is closed due to Christmas. No reason for malnutrition, these chicks eat high quality feed. I am in the US.

When you mention crop blockage, is that like constipation?

 

[Eggcessive]

If you can find a feed store open anywhere near home, get some Corid liquid or powder in the cattle medicines. Start treatment for possible coccidiosis. Dosage is 2 tsp of the liquid or 1.5 tap of the powder, per gallon of water for 5-7 days. Since she is not drinking, take her aside and dip her beak into the Corid water to coax her to drink. Until you get Corid, do this also. Once you get the Corid, you can give 0.1 ml per pound of undiluted Corid daily to jumpstart her treatment.

 

[Melgug]

If you can find a feed store open anywhere near home, get some Corid liquid or powder in the cattle medicines. Start treatment for possible coccidiosis. Dosage is 2 tsp of the liquid or 1.5 tap of the powder, per gallon of water for 5-7 days. Since she is not drinking, take her aside and dip her beak into the Corid water to coax her to drink. Until you get Corid, do this also. Once you get the Corid, you can give 0.1 ml per pound of undiluted Corid daily to jumpstart her treatment.

Will treatment hurt her if it’s not coccidiosis? Do I treat the flock or just her?

 

[Eggcessive]

No, it won’t hurt hurt, but could save her life if she has coccidiosis. It is safe to treat the whole flock or her age group. Do you have any pictures of her poop?

 

[Melgug]

No, it won’t hurt hurt, but could save her life if she has coccidiosis. It is safe to treat the whole flock or her age group. Do you have any pictures of her poop?

She pooped it was yellow and diarrhea and very runny but I didn’t take a photo.

 

[Eggcessive]

Runny yellow with mucus could still be coccidiosis. Get the Corid started today if you can.

 

[Melgug]

Runny yellow with mucus could still be coccidiosis. Get the Corid started today if you can.

Just got it now. Thanks!

 

[Razzlefrazzle]

I am currently feeding scratch & peck organic starter. I just switched to it from new country organic brand after running out.

If you switched to a food that has individual grains rather than a crumble, make sure the chicks have access to grit and check the crop of the sick one. Feel her chest for a lump slightly to her right, either hard or squishy. Since she hasn't been eating her crop should be flat and you shouldn't be able to feel it. If you can feel it she has crop impaction and/or sour crop.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...w-to-know-which-one-youre-dealing-with.73607/