Lethargic 6 week old chick

[theWhiteRider]

Hello! I'm new to both the forum and to chicken raising. We got 4 chicks on April 19 that were a day old, and then got 3 more within a couple days. They were all a day old when we got them at the feed store, the last three we got from a guy who breeds (correct term??) them.

They have all been thriving, it has been really super warm here in So Cal, so we moved them into their coop/run at 5 weeks.

My light brahma has always been the sweetest, enjoys being held and comes to even my 5 year old daughter willingly to be pet and held. I thought she was just being extra mellow and sweet the last few days, but I think she's lethargic. She looks great, no obvious signs of problems. But she comes right up to the chicken wire and will kind of lie down-not on her side-and close her eyes. I see her eat and drink, I just went and fed them worms. They all went nuts, but she didn't as much as the others. I put a worm in my hand and she grabbed it up and ate it fine.

My husband said he found her lying under the hanging feeder, which is only about 5-6 inches off the ground right now, but she came out to see him.

Should I be worried?? I see some watery poop but it seems to be from our Silkie, so I think her poop is most likely okay too...

We have two horses back there with them. They are separated right now, we haven't let the chickens out of their run into the yard yet.

They have been eating Modesto Milling brand organic starter and grower from day one...

I hope I've given all the information that may be needed...

Help! Thanks in advance!!!

 

[Angiebubs]

Hmm ok this is probably not the situation but just wanted to make sure....when she lays down is it in the sun? Does she spread her wings out? Just want to make sure its not the weird sunbathing that they do. I know the first time I saw them do this I thought something was seriously wrong. You could try giving some electrolytes as a preventative measure...like a little Gatorade? Whenever I have any slight question about a chick, I usualy scramble up an egg, add some yogurt and sprinkle on electrolytes to get some protein, priobiotics into them.

 

[theWhiteRider]

Thanks for the input! Here she is, I wish I had a better picture of what she was doing...but her eyes are closed. (The light brahma to the left, the silkie to the right photo bombed all my pictures of her!) Just kind of like she's sleeping...but not sunbathing. I had read about the electrolytes, I will definitely try it. And the egg! Thanks again!

[/IMG]

 

[Angiebubs]

Ok that's not sunbathing. Do you have her on medicated chick feed? Keep your eyes on the poop. One of the most common issues with your chicks in Cocci-especially if not on medicated feed. Good luck

 

[TwoCrows]

Welcome to BYC!

Could be a few things...you said it has been warm. She could be over heating a bit and is a bit slow. However X2 on watching the poop. If you know where she sleeps at night, look at her poop. If you see any blood in it or if it is diarrhea, she could have cocci. If she is on medicated feed, you need to get her off of it for and get her on to regular non medicated feed. Medicated is for the first 6 weeks only.

If she continues to get worse, you might post this in our emergency section for more help with her....

https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/10/emergencies-diseases-injuries-and-cures

Don't wait till she gets really sick, watch her closely and then post in our emergency section. I hope she is ok.

 

[Angiebubs]

Two Crows: I'm curious-why do you take roff of medicated feed at 6 weeks? I have always left mine on it till I switched them to layer feed at 16-18 weeks?

However, if its showing signs of Cocci I would take them off and then treat with Corid. IMHO

 

[TwoCrows]

Two Crows: I'm curious-why do you take roff of medicated feed at 6 weeks? I have always left mine on it till I switched them to layer feed at 16-18 weeks?

However, if its showing signs of Cocci I would take them off and then treat with Corid. IMHO

I personally don't use medicated feed. I like the birds to develop natural immunity to cocci and by 6 weeks of age, this is the time if they have been on medicated feed. Long term amprolium usage is not good for chicks and can cause health issues over time, at least this is how I feel about it. I am no expert, but the faster they develop immunity, the healthier their immune systems will grow to be.

 

[gander007]

 

[theWhiteRider]

Thanks, everyone, for the quick response and all the input!

So she is eating and drinking fine, and her poop is fine. I think, from more research, she may just be at the bottom of the pecking order??

 

[TwoCrows]

Thanks, everyone, for the quick response and all the input!

So she is eating and drinking fine, and her poop is fine. I think, from more research, she may just be at the bottom of the pecking order??

The lowest in the order can be slower than the others. At least that is how it is in my flock. Make sure she gets enough with extra feeding and watering stations as many times the lowest gets run off from eating and drinking. Great that she is eating and seems well. Just keep an eye on her.