HELP!!!! Really quick sickness and death- need ideas!

[skylarms]

This morning my 8 week old spitzhauben was fine. This afternoon, I noticed it was laying there not acting right. I immediately quarantined it. I just checked on it again 2 hours later, and its just laying there with agonal breathing. Im sure when I return, it will be dead. Any suggestions? When I first found it, I thought Mareks because it couldnt walk right. But this is too quick for Mareks right ( please say yes as I've NEVER had anything here). It is the forth any fireworks are going off like crazy. Could it have gotten scared and sustained a head injury? It is a crested bird after all. Its in with 3 other chicks and they are all completely normal.

info-

8 week old Spitzhauben
fed non medicated Start and Grow Chick Starter
In large enclosure during the day, let out into a small pen during the day.
Pen and run cleaned daily.
No other sick birds
Purchased as a three week old chick from a local breeder.
The only chicks/birds it has been with are the other three I mentioned

Could it have been poisoned? I will be sending it in for autopsy but Im paranoid and would like some help fast if possible.

Alright off to check to see if it died.. Im trying to let it go naturally so the autopsy will be clearer if anyone is wondering why I dont cull it immediately....... Are local lab prefers them alive if possible.

 

[skylarms]

Alright. Not dead! Now its resting somewhat comfortably. Its gate is staggered. I gave it a shot of tylan as a precaution. Its eyes are bright and clear, breath sounds are normal. Somewhat narcoleptic looking. It has access to scrambled egg, electrolyte water and crumbles. Ideas? Im leaning more towards possible head injury but Im THAT person what is BEYOND paranoid. I have some expensive chickens not to mention Im quite fond of them.

 

[Eggcessive]

I would look at coccidiosis first, then botulism, then Mareks disease. Head injury could have happened, but lethargy and laying around are first symptoms of about everything.

 

[skylarms]

thanks! Researching now...

 

[skylarms]

botulism does sound like a good probability. However, im not sure what its could have eaten if so....

 

[Eggcessive]

Also, look at poisonous plants. Botulism is sometimes caused by eating carcases of dead animals, maggot, or creek mud. Let us know what you are thinking if more symptoms develop.

 

[skylarms]

I will check into that. It is a pretty well maintained area. I will look in the day light for more culprits. I had a polish shows symptoms on a much lesser degree a while back, but it was after she had been attacked by a dog, so I was not alarmed. This is a whole nother level.

 

[skylarms]

Alright. Since my last post I thought it had seized and that was going to be the end of it. When returning from the firework show, It is weak, but very much alive. I am going to treat for coccidia as a precaution, but if it is coccidia, at this stage, Im not sure there is much we could do. Its most recent poop appeared totally normal.

 

[skylarms]

Update- Its still alive! Its breathing is labored meaning its stretches its neck out and gasps every 3-4 breaths. Breath sounds are clear however. Its trying to walk today though! Its stumbles backwards a lot. It wants to eat but I think it requires too much energy for the poor thing at this point. Does his sound like botulism?

 

[skylarms]

Next question. How long can it go with out nutrients? It ate a small bit last night around 5. Not since then. With the breathing the way it is, Im afraid to coax food to it. Thanks!