Ill chicks, please help??

[1234chicken4321]

One of my chicks being raised free range by its mums (it has two) seems to have a cold. It stops every few seconds and seems to look up and wheeze with a rare sneeze. It still runs around and eats fine but its had it a few days and seems a bit worse. I know how quickly they can go down hill, so any suggestions?

 

[FluffyButtBabies]

How old is the chick? It definitely isn't a cold. When chicks get sick, they can get progressively worse very quickly. I would suggest separating it into an area or coop. That way you can watch for symptoms much more easily. Keep watch for diarrhea, lethargy, or not eating/drinking. Chicks can't recover from their own illnesses most times, they need intervention, so letting it stay free-range is not a very safe idea.

 

[1234chicken4321]

How old is the chick? It definitely isn't a cold. When chicks get sick, they can get progressively worse very quickly. I would suggest separating it into an area or coop. That way you can watch for symptoms much more easily. Keep watch for diarrhea, lethargy, or not eating/drinking. Chicks can't recover from their own illnesses most times, they need intervention, so letting it stay free-range is not a very safe idea.

The chick is two weeks old, its still eating and running around as normal but clearly not right with its breathing.

I've just read about gape worm and now I'm paranoid, does anyone know if this is common in the UK? We live on a pheasant estate and I've read they catch it more.

 

[1234chicken4321]

Here is a video. I've now notice another one doing it too!! What can I do to help?? I know chicks rarely just get better.

 

[FluffyButtBabies]

I wish I could help, but there are a lot of things it could be! When you have chicks outside they are a lot more susceptible to a variety of illnesses. I'm not a vet, but it could be gapeworm because of the pheasants. I think you would be better off waiting for somebody who knows what they're talking about to answer (I never let my chicks out till they've feathered, so I don't know too many outdoor sicknesses). I'm sorry! Your best bet is to take them inside. Watch their behavior closely. And DEFINITELY separate the sick chicks from the healthy ones, because it might be contagious. Even so, prepare for the worst. Generally when chicks that young get a sever respiratory problem, they don't recover. They don't have a good immune system. Do you have a vet you could consult?

 

[1234chicken4321]

I wish I could help, but there are a lot of things it could be! When you have chicks outside they are a lot more susceptible to a variety of illnesses. I'm not a vet, but it could be gapeworm because of the pheasants. I think you would be better off waiting for somebody who knows what they're talking about to answer (I never let my chicks out till they've feathered, so I don't know too many outdoor sicknesses). I'm sorry! Your best bet is to take them inside. Watch their behavior closely. And DEFINITELY separate the sick chicks from the healthy ones, because it might be contagious. Even so, prepare for the worst. Generally when chicks that young get a sever respiratory problem, they don't recover. They don't have a good immune system. Do you have a vet you could consult?

.

Thank you for your input. I have checked and I don't think it is gapeworm (thankfully as that seems awful) but I don't have much hope for the chick it is still running around and eating fine, but like you said they don't recover. I've noticed the other chicks sneezing too so I think if they are to get it they all ready have.
It might sound harsh, but I'm not really one to take chickens to a vet. I will continue to watch it and help in anyway and make sure its comfortable. I don't know where it even caught it, the rest of my flock are all really healthy.