Lethargic 3 wk old BO roo

[shesell]

One of my three wk old BO's is really lethargic, however he will eat if I offer him crumbles in my hand. He will walk around if I pick him up and put him on his feet, but then shortly after he will lay down again. The rest seem fine. I have 9 BO's, 5 Welsummers and 8 New Hampshires. It's been really rainy and damp here in FL but, they are on a covered porch in a box, dry and warm. I fed them some bread yesterday...surely that can't be the problem? I did give them a little crushed granite grit with it which they loved. When I say little, I mean a tablespoon in my hand that they all ate from. I've been trying to socialize them and have found that food is my friend in that respect...now people are great...they mean food is coming! Their food isn't moldy and they don't have access to anything else to eat. Their water is an issue to keep up with. Every time I turn around I am cleaning it out because it has wood shavings and poo in it but I am doing that three and four times a day. Poor Roo is alert...just lethargic. Any ideas? They are all such darlings and I hate to see one not feeling well. Thanks for your help. I have learned so much from the forum and there are so many wonderful people here.
Shesell

 

[Judy]

Set the waterer on some bricks or concrete blocks or whatever. Won't solve the problem but will help. I wonder if the high humidity and maybe some rain spray hasn't affected the food. I'd clean out the feeder and put fresh in. If you are not feeding medicated feed, you might consider switching.

They don't need grit for the chick feed. Was it fine grit, intended for baby chicks? Adult chicken grit might be too big for them. Yogurt and scrambled/boiled eggs might be better treats at that age, and maybe a bit of fruit.

Good luck!

 

[rancher hicks]

Is he getting any rest? Sometimes I think they just get tired, what with all the others running around and over them waking them every time they try to nap.

 

[shesell]

Thanks for the responses! I'm not using medicated feed but I did check what I have left in the bag and it looks and smells fine. I will empty and wash out the feeder and offer the scrambled egg on the side. I'll get some yogurt in the morning and try that, too. And, silly me, why didn't I think about raising the water? That should help a lot.
Thanks, Shesell

 

[shesell]

Oh and yes, it was chick grit I gave them.
About the rest, they all seem to kind of nap together for the most part. I do have a couple of rowdy ones, but I don't think he's bothered by it. He is staying quiet in his little corner.

 

[Judy]

Quote:
Probably because you're a nervous new mommy!

If they don't go for the yogurt, try mixing a little with a little of the feed.

Hope your roo perks up. Maybe he is just a loner. I have a few of those; at 12 weeks, they are still loners.

 

[shesell]

Quote:
LOL..is it that obvious? Well, thank goodness you guys are here for us!

Shesell

 

[shesell]

Thanks for everyone's help! Baby Roo is up and around like nothing happened. Maybe he was just sandbagging, little bugger! I did get Nutridrench vitamin solution for them all maybe that did the trick. Again, thank you to everyone who tried to help,
Shesell

 

[rancher hicks]

Is there anything that makes you happier than a healthy chick?

Happy day, happy day, happy, happy, day.