Lethargic 9 month old cockerel.

[Candice W]

I need some help. My Speckled Sussex cockerel is extremely lathargic! I found him in the coop yesterday sleeping in the corner. When I opened the door and was talking to him he didn't move. When I went to touch him he startled and flew out of the coop. He just stood outside and slept standing up. He finally went back into the coop and actually got up on the roost. Today he was sleeping in one of the laying boxes. I got him and checked him for lice and mites and didn't see anything. I also looked him over for any injuries and there were none. When I put him back in the coop he seemed to be unsteady on his feet. He went out to the pen area and was having a hard time walking. At first he was just crawling and then he was able to straighten up his legs and walk, although not steady at all. He went over and laid down next to a few hens that were sunning themselves. I went in and got him and have him isolated now by himself. I haven't seen any of his poop so not sure what that looks like. I've had him isolated for about 6 hours now and still no poop. He is not eating or drinking, but I have given him some water with electrolytes in it. I bought antibiotics but not sure that is what I should give him. Someone also mentioned coccidia. But, again I haven't seen any of his poop so not sure how to tell if that is the problem. He doesn't have any discharge from the eyes or nose. I can't hear any problems with his breathing but I don't have a stethoscope. I'm not sure what to treat him with because I don't know what he has! Such a horrible feeling, not being able to help him. I put water in there with him that has the electrolytes in it and some starter chick feed. Should I put his normal pellet food in there? So does anyone have any ideas of what the problem might be or how I should treat him, even if the cause is still unknown?

 

[Laneman]

Hi,

I have a pullet with similar symptoms but mine definitely has respiratory illness. I recommend you start hand feeding and watering our cockerel until you know what he has. At least you will keep him hydrated and nourished so he can hang in there. Please see my post titled 6 days into respiratory illness for some tips. Good luck with your young rooster, hope he recovers

 

[Candice W]

Hi,

I have a pullet with similar symptoms but mine definitely has respiratory illness. I recommend you start hand feeding and watering our cockerel until you know what he has. At least you will keep him hydrated and nourished so he can hang in there. Please see my post titled 6 days into respiratory illness for some tips. Good luck with your young rooster, hope he recovers

Thanks for the advice. I read your post and have some questions. Should I use the started feed for him even though he is around 9 months old? I have some here because I have younger chicks. Does that have a higher calorie count and more fat content that would be benificial for him. How do you hand feed? Right now with the water with electrolytes I am using the syringe and have to open his beak and put a little in and let him close his beak and swallow. Would I do the same with the soup and with the way I'm doing it is he getting enough? He finally pooped and it was mostly wet but the poo had some white in it and a dark rusty brown. I don't know that I really see any blood which is what I think you would see with the Coccidia. So I'm going to go to tractor supply and get the Corid and try that. What are your thoughts?

 

[fairie]

Hi ,

We are 1 week into trying to figure out what is wrong with young chicken (5months old). You can read my thread, there is a link for Marek's Disease.

I feel that the most nutritional food to give them is eggs and shell. It's like mothers milk. Plus you get liquid's in too.

Sorry I don't have any other suggestions. I am at a loss as well. We just made a small nest box for our chicken to be in separated and safe. Will have to wait and see.

I will check back to see how your going, maybe you will get other suggestions then what I have so far.
Good luck!

 

[Candice W]

Hi ,

We are 1 week into trying to figure out what is wrong with young chicken (5months old). You can read my thread, there is a link for Marek's Disease.

I feel that the most nutritional food to give them is eggs and shell. It's like mothers milk. Plus you get liquid's in too.

Sorry I don't have any other suggestions. I am at a loss as well. We just made a small nest box for our chicken to be in separated and safe. Will have to wait and see.

I will check back to see how your going, maybe you will get other suggestions then what I have so far.
Good luck!

Thanks for the suggestions! I went and got the Corid to go ahead and start treating for Coccidi. I figured it's better than doing nothing at all. I'll make sure to post updates. Good luck with yours!!

 

[Laneman]

Hi,

Sorry it took a while to reply. I made the soup by mashing some starter food and mashing hard boiled egg then added water. I fed the mixture with an eyedropper by forming a drop at the tip then rubbing it on her beak. She would feel the liquid then nibble it in one drop at a time. Takes a while but it kept her from getting it in her lungs if forcing the mouth open. Around 7 day she finally started eating and drinking on her own but is still very weak. I just read that the lung illness can take up to a month to heal.