HELP! Sick Rooster (two dead!)

[TheChickenFanatic]

Hi! I noticed a few days ago that my bantam rooster looked kind of puffy, a little lethargic, quiet, and his comb was kind of purple-ish. His tail was also cocked to one side which is not normal for him. He unfortunately died the next day. The next day, my other rooster was totally fine. Eating, drinking, totally normal. I go out this morning to let them out, and he was dead. Another one of my roosters is acting funny. Same symtoms as the first one. I gave him Corid (just in case it's coccidiosis), gave him an egg yolk, and Nutra Drench. What else should I do? He is currently seperated from my other chickens. I sanitized the coop, and gave all the chickens the same treatment as the rooster. Please help!

 

[Chicken_Obsesser]

Have you checked for lice/mites? I'd give them electrolytes and make sure they don't have Avian Influenza.

 

[Chicken_Obsesser]

@Eggcessive @Wyorp Rock @azygous

 

[TheChickenFanatic]

Have you checked for lice/mites? I'd give them electrolytes and make sure they don't have Avian Influenza.

I have. How do you treat lice?

Okay, will do! What are the symptoms of bird flu?

 

[FowlProtector]

I’m so sorry to hear about your roosters. It sounds like you’re dealing with a serious issue, especially since multiple roosters are showing similar symptoms. The purple comb, lethargy, and tail position suggest that there could be several things going on. Here are a few things to consider:





Coccidiosis: You’ve already started treating for coccidiosis with Corid, which is a good first step, but keep in mind that it can take several days to see improvement. Make sure the water is fresh, and if you’re treating for it, continue the Corid treatment for the full 5-7 days, as per the instructions on the product. Monitor them for signs of improvement.





Respiratory Infection: The lethargy, quietness, and purple comb could indicate a respiratory issue like Mycoplasma (MG), ILT, or Infectious Bronchitis. These infections can spread quickly, especially in flocks. You should monitor for other symptoms like nasal discharge, coughing, or swelling around the eyes. If you suspect a respiratory infection, you may need to consult a vet for antibiotics or other treatments.





Poisoning or Toxins: If there is anything toxic in their environment (plants, chemicals, contaminated food, etc.), this could lead to similar symptoms. You’ve already sanitized the coop, which is great, but make sure there’s no source of toxins they could have accessed.





Nutritional Deficiencies: Ensure they are getting proper nutrition, especially in terms of vitamins and minerals. You’ve given Nutra Drench, which is good for a quick nutrient boost, but also check their regular feed to ensure it’s balanced.





Predation/Stress: Sometimes, roosters can get stressed due to changes in the environment or the presence of predators, which can cause them to act strangely and even become lethargic. If they are under any stress, try to minimize it.





So, the rooster that’s showing some signs is still in isolation. Keep up with the Corid treatment, egg yolk, and Nutra Drench. Make sure he has plenty of fresh water and food, and do everything you can to make him feel comfortable. If he doesn’t get better in the next 24-48 hours or gets worse, it might be time to call a vet, especially if it’s a respiratory infection.





I’m keeping my fingers crossed that he pulls through! Let me know if you need anything else.





I got this from Google and dubbed check with AI

 

[FowlProtector]

How do you treat lice?

Treating lice in chickens involves a combination of treating the birds themselves and thoroughly cleaning their environment. Here’s a step-by-step approach:

1. Treat the Chickens:
   • Pesticidal Dust: Use an insecticidal dust designed for poultry, such as permethrin dust or diatomaceous earth. Apply the dust directly to the chickens, making sure to coat their feathers, especially around the vent, under the wings, and along the neck and back. Gently rub the dust into the feathers to ensure good coverage.
   • Poultry Spray: Alternatively, you can use a poultry-safe insecticidal spray. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. You can spray the birds directly or use a bath if the chickens tolerate it.
   • Repeat Treatment: Lice eggs (nits) can be hard to kill, so you may need to repeat the treatment in 7-10 days to ensure any newly hatched lice are eliminated.
2. Clean the Coop:
   • Remove bedding and thoroughly clean the coop: Dispose of any old bedding, and wash all surfaces with hot water and soap. Consider using a disinfectant that’s safe for poultry to kill any lice or eggs left behind.
   • Apply a Poultry Dust: Once the coop is clean, apply a poultry dust or diatomaceous earth to the bedding, nesting boxes, and any cracks or crevices in the coop where lice might hide.
   • Fresh Bedding: Replace with fresh, clean bedding.
3. Monitor Your Flock:
   • Check for Signs of Improvement: After treating the chickens and cleaning the coop, keep an eye on your flock for signs of improvement. They should stop scratching and pecking at themselves as much.
   • Continue Monitoring: It’s a good idea to check your birds regularly for lice and mites, especially if you’ve had an infestation before.
4. Preventative Measures:
   • Keep your coop and birds clean to reduce the chances of lice reappearing.
   • Consider rotating the bedding regularly and offering dust baths for your chickens, as they use them to help keep parasites under control.

Let me know if you need more info !

 

[TheChickenFanatic]

I'm so sorry to hear about your roosters. It sounds like you're dealing with a serious issue, especially with multiple roosters showing similar symptoms. The purple comb, lethargy, and tail position suggest that there could be several things going on. Here are a few things to consider:

Coccidiosis: You've already started treating for coccidiosis with Corid, which is a good first step, but keep in mind that it can take several days to see improvement. Make sure the water is fresh, and if you're treating for it, continue the Corid treatment for the full 5-7 days, as per the instructions on the product. Monitor them for signs of improvement.

Respiratory Infection: The lethargy, quietness, and purple comb could indicate a respiratory issue like Mycoplasma (MG), ILT, or Infectious Bronchitis. These infections can spread quickly, especially in flocks. You should monitor for other symptoms like nasal discharge, coughing, or swelling around the eyes. If you suspect a respiratory infection, you may need to consult a vet for antibiotics or other treatments.

Poisoning or Toxins: If there is anything toxic in their environment (plants, chemicals, contaminated food, etc.), this could lead to similar symptoms. You've already sanitized the coop, which is great, but make sure there's no source of toxins they could have accessed.

Nutritional Deficiencies: Ensure they are getting proper nutrition, especially in terms of vitamins and minerals. You've given Nutra Drench, which is good for a quick nutrient boost, but also check their regular feed to ensure it's balanced.

Predation/Stress: Sometimes, roosters can get stressed due to changes in the environment or the presence of predators, which can cause them to act strangely and even become lethargic. If they are under any stress, try to minimize it.

For the rooster that is currently showing symptoms, continue the isolation, Corid treatment, egg yolk, and Nutra Drench. Make sure he has access to fresh water and food, and keep him as comfortable as possible. If he doesn't improve in the next 24-48 hours or worsens, it might be time to consult a vet, especially if a respiratory infection is suspected.

I hope he pulls through! Let me know if you need anything else.

Thank you so much for al the advice!! I really do appreciate it so much.

I will continue doing what I'm doing, and I'll update you with how he's doing. Thank you, again!

 

[FowlProtector]

No problem!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Hi! I noticed a few days ago that my bantam rooster looked kind of puffy, a little lethargic, quiet, and his comb was kind of purple-ish. His tail was also cocked to one side which is not normal for him. He unfortunately died the next day. The next day, my other rooster was totally fine. Eating, drinking, totally normal. I go out this morning to let them out, and he was dead. Another one of my roosters is acting funny. Same symtoms as the first one. I gave him Corid (just in case it's coccidiosis), gave him an egg yolk, and Nutra Drench. What else should I do? He is currently seperated from my other chickens. I sanitized the coop, and gave all the chickens the same treatment as the rooster. Please help!

I'm sorry for your losses.

Please post a photo of the current sick bird and his droppings.

How old is he?
What do you feed, including treats?
Have you checked for injuries?
Crop emptying overnight?
Could he have eaten something moldy, rotten, toxic?

Photos of your space and how many birds you have (hens/roosters) may be helpful.

You ask how to treat for lice - are you seeing bugs on your birds or just asking?

For a current sick bird - since you have Poultry Nutri-Drench, give him a direct oral dose of 1cc per 3pounds of weight once daily.
Make sure he's drinking well. Encourage him to eat his normal feed, you can offer it wet or dry.

 

[TheChickenFanatic]

I'm sorry for your losses.

Please post a photo of the current sick bird and his droppings.

How old is he?
What do you feed, including treats?
Have you checked for injuries?
Crop emptying overnight?
Could he have eaten something moldy, rotten, toxic?

Photos of your space and how many birds you have (hens/roosters) may be helpful.

You ask how to treat for lice - are you seeing bugs on your birds or just asking?

For a current sick bird - since you have Poultry Nutri-Drench, give him a direct oral dose of 1cc per 3pounds of weight once daily.
Make sure he's drinking well. Encourage him to eat his normal feed, you can offer it wet or dry.

I'll see if I can get a picture of him for you.

He is about 2 years old.

I have temporarily been feeding them the Purina layer crumbles (I believe it's the 16% protein kind), because my feed store didn't have the Kalmbach crumbles.

Yes, I have checked for injuries. I did notice that his comb was bloody (it looks like he got into a fight with another rooster). I cleaned it.

Yes, his crop has been emptying normally at night.

Possibly. Although, I do check my feed for mold, and make sure my chickens don't get anything that's toxic to them.

I have my chickens in a spacious chicken tractor that is insulated. I have about 40 hens and now I have 4 roosters.

I did see a few mites on him. I treated him for that.