I think one of my chicks is sick. Slow moving, very puffed up feathers

[mama24]

It's one of my insane EEs. He's one of the cockerals, and they're fast little boogers who don't let us near them. Last night I noticed one was sitting next to the water with ghis feathers all puffed up. I walked over and he didn't run away. It's been chilly and rainy here. They are about 6-7 weeks old, and it's been so warm the last month or so, I turned the heat lamp off about 2 weeks ago and they've been fine. He felt cold, though, so I took him back into the chicken shed (he was outside, I have food and water inside and out) and turned the heat lamp back on. Is there anything else I can do for him? No other symptoms. His crop felt completely empty, which I have never felt on a chicken before! He was drinking, though, and ate a little bit of chick crumbles while I was watching him. He and the other EE cockeral are my dominant chicks and very skittish, so this is very unusual behavior. Is there anything else I should do for him or just wait it out and see if he gets better or worse?

 

[calicokat]

You might try bringing him inside and trying to feed him some yogurt or protien rich foods (scrambled eggs, tuna, etc.) I have turned one around that way. The last time I opened a can of tuna and dunked the birds beak in the water in the can instead of just water - thought I might sneak a little more protein or nutrients in that way.

WHile he's inside with you, check him over for injuries or mites, etc. too.

 

[kelar]

It sounds to me like coccidiosis - very likely at that age. Check the symptoms to see if they fit (excessive thirst, ruffled feathers, etc.) Treatment must be started immediately - I use liquid sulmet, 2 tablespoons per gallon of water for 2 days, then 1/2 that dosage for the next 4 days. Do not give vitamins or any high protein snacks during medication - just the medicated water and crumbles. I can't emphasize enough - do not wait!! Cocci can kill in 24 hours.