I just pulled a tick out of my chick's eyelid! I think he has an infection

[chick peeps]

I was gone all day yesterday on a day trip, when I got home I checked on my hens and chicks and I found a blue/black tick on one of my chick's eyelids. I pulled the tick out and watched my chick walk around the yard. He was really unsteady on his feet and didn't walk as well as he has the past several weeks. I think he might have an infection or something. Since I was gone all day yesterday I don't know how long the tick was on him. I checked on him this morning and he doesn't seem as perky as normal, also he wasn't walking around much like he normally does.
Please I need advise about what it might be and how to treat it!

 

[Eggcessive]

You might want to check with your vet about getting a fecal sample checked for spirochetes (if your vet can do that test.) Spirochetosis can be spread by certain fowl ticks, which can then spread in droppings. Brachyspira is another term for this disease.
Here are links for you:
http://www.developmentvet.aun.edu.eg/poultry diseases fourth year/ch1_15.htm
http://www.merckmanuals.com/vet/poultry/avian_spirochetosis/overview_of_avian_spirochetosis.html

 

[Michael Apple]

How old are the chicks?

 

[chick peeps]

Thanks eggcessive!


Michael Apple, they are 6 weeks old

 

[Eggcessive]

Thanks eggcessive!


Michael Apple, they are 6 weeks old

In that case keep in mind that coccidiosis can cause lethargy, weakness, ruffled feathers, huddling or puffing up, poor appetite, and diarrhea with or without blood. If it seems like coccidiosis, then treat with Corid (amprollium) or Ampromed. Dosage is 2 tsp liquid (or 1.5 tsp powder) per gallon of water for 5-7 days. Mix fresh every day, treat all birds at the same time since it is contagious, and keep feeders and water containers free of droppings. After treatment give probiotics and vitamins for several days. Coccidiosis is very common in chicks between 3-20 weeks old.

 

[Michael Apple]

Coccidiosis is a common threat the whole first year of life. Use preventative doses every 3 weeks until the birds are 9 months old. You'll be glad you did with the amount of chicks dying and being posted about on the forum. Penicillin type antibiotics and Tylosin are effective against spirochetosis but am unsure of dosage since fowl ticks/blue bugs aren't a problem in my area. Like most nasty ectoparasites, Ravap, Sevin, or Permethrin type sprays are good to rotate with so the nasty devils can't build resistance. Sprays penetrate areas in wood where tick eggs may be waiting to hatch. I'd treat the coop or yard area twice, 10 days apart. Tick eggs hatch in 6 to ten days in warm weather. They like to lay eggs in the bark of trees too. I hope your chick has a full recovery.

 

[dawg53]

Here's a link regarding cocci and spirochetes, please take the time to read all four pages:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...in-droppings-but-meds-dont-seem-to-be-working

 

[Michael Apple]

Here's a link regarding cocci and spirochetes, please take the time to read all four pages:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...in-droppings-but-meds-dont-seem-to-be-working

Very good information. So Duramycin (Tetracycline) successfully took care of the problem at 1 tablespoon per gallon.

 

[chick peeps]

Thanks guys,

Well I just went out there a few minutes ago and I found three ticks on my other chick! All of them are blue. How can I keep them off my chick?

 

[Michael Apple]

Thanks guys,

Well I just went out there a few minutes ago and I found three ticks on my other chick! All of them are blue. How can I keep them off my chick?

Treat the area as I mentioned in post #6. Keep chicks out of the areas while being treated, and follow label instructions before allowing chicks access to those areas.