I think my chick is dying!!

[sugarmckinnon]

I have a maybe 3 week old Egyptian Fayoumis and we introduced her into the flock of 9 six week old hens. She was very lively and jumped and pecked at their eyes to establish her spot. She even would cuddle up with them under the heat lamp. In the last few days she is sleeping ALL day. I have seen her drink, eat and poop. In fact the last movement was just watery, no poop to be seen. She is breathing fast and hard. Her whole body is swaying. She seems to stumble when she walks sometimes and backs up a lot. Also, just today we noticed that she opens her mouth to peep and nothing comes out. It seems like she's lost her voice, but then every once in a while a peep comes out. I have my hubby bringing home another chick tonight so that Aggie will have someone her size to cuddle up with under the heat lamp indoors tonight to see if that will help her improve. I'm just not sure what is going on! Any advice would be helpful.


Thank you,
Sophie

 

[Tumbleweed Farm]

It doesn't sound good, probably cocci--I would not put another healthy chick in with her for "company" as it is very contagious. She doesn't need company, she is sick.

 

[MacCana]

Yes, probably not a good idea to put the new chick with her for company. I'd actually quarantine her if I were you to reduce the risk of her infecting the others. I hope she pulls through!!!

 

[sugarmckinnon]

We had the other chick in with her for 8 hours and Aggie passed away early this morning. Do you think the healthy chick is infected now? What can I do ?

 

[sugarmckinnon]

I'm just asking for advice on how to care for a sick chick. I obviously messed up. I'm new to this. I was reaching out for help. If it is cocci, what can I do? Medications? How soon will I know if this new chick has it?

edited by staff

 

[Eggcessive]

I would give the new chick and others a round of Corid (amprollium) in their water for 5 days. Corid liquid 2 tsp (or powder 1.5 tsp) per gallon of water. Give them some probiotics, yogurt, or buttermilk and vitamins after the treatment is finished. Then, 3 weeks later, give them a 1/3 dose of the same treatment.

 

[Shan30]

So sorry your having a tough time. The site and many of its members have a great amount to offer. Such as Eggsessive's information on using Corid.

Please keep us posted on your progress and best of luck!

 

[cafarmgirl]

I would give the new chick and others a round of Corid (amprollium) in their water for 5 days. Corid liquid 2 tsp (or powder 1.5 tsp) per gallon of water. Give them some probiotics, yogurt, or buttermilk and vitamins after the treatment is finished. Then, 3 weeks later, give them a 1/3 dose of the same treatment.

X2. Your bird may or may not have died of coccidiosis, no way to know without a necropsy. I think running a course of Corid is a very good idea, that and just keeping a close eye on the others in case this was something else. That's really about all you can do. New birds are always at risk of coming down with coccidiosis when moving to a new home as well as possibly bringing along new strains of cocci with them that your existing birds may not be immune to. It's always a good idea to keep Corid on hand.