Lethargic 8 week old

[jjn3beans]

Hi all, newbie here. We have an 8 week old that started yesterday to be a bit lethargic. Her wings are hanging some today. We noticed her eating and drinking a bit. A couple days ago we noticed blood in their run, but after inspecting all chicks, didn't see any wounds. Today we noticed what looked like blood in her droppings. What could be wrong with this baby?

 

[coach723]

Sounds like coccidiosis. Treatment is Corid, available at most feed stores, tractor supply, etc. Look in the cattle/livestock section, it can be powder or liquid, either is fine. Start treatment as soon as possible, coccidiosis can progress quickly. Treat all the chicks at the same time, treatment is very safe. Dosage chart below, also give the very sick one some orally in addition to the treatment below, dosage for that is here: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/corid-oral-drench-instructions.1211991/

 

[Chicken Whisperers]

It could be something contagious, so I think you should remove her from the rest of the flock. Put her somewhere safe, draft free, and with a heat lamp nearby. I'm not sure what the disease is, but just in case you should keep her well away from other hens or pullets or whatever

 

[coach723]

There are lots of articles on coccidiosis, here is one: https://www.backyardchickencoops.co...ickens-prevention-symptoms-and-treatment-tips
They have already all been exposed, isolating now will not help keep it from spreading, which is why all should be treated. Coccidia are in the environment, they are everywhere. Birds that are exposed and survive will build resistance to it. Unexposed birds or young chicks who have not built resistance are most at risk.

 

[jjn3beans]

What about our older 4 month olds? They have been around the babies. Babies are in small movable run and biggers are around them.

 

[coach723]

Forgot to add, use the severe outbreak dosing in the chart.
I would treat them all. If they have been on the same ground, with the same droppings, they are all exposed. The treatment is very safe, and it will not cause any harm. Don't give any vitamins during treatment as that may reduce the effectiveness of the medication. After treatment is complete it's a good idea to give a supplement that contains Thiamine(B1) and some probiotics for a few days.

 

[Eggcessive]

X2–treat all chickens for coccidiosis. It is very common when older chicks are exposed to younger ones whi have not yet built up tolerance to coccidia in the soil and bedding.