lethargic bantam rooster, what is going on?

[-Eridanus-]

My bantam rooster is about 3 years old and has never done anything like this before. He is really lethargic and won't eat anything. I also discovered that he is crawling with lice, is that relevant? I thought his nostrils might have been clogged but once we cleaned them out there was zero change in behavior. His face was also a little bit dirty although that might have just been from sitting all day. I discovered him sitting alone outside in our woodline like he was sleeping. He doesn't respond when you wave a hand in front of his face or touch him. I have no idea what is going on! Please help, this is probably our favorite chicken in the whole flock!

 

[14 passengers]

So sorry to hear this. Lice could very well be an important factor. maybe even the only causing factor. The others in the flock could sense something is wrong and may exclude him. I know its a little late but have you cleared up the lice? How is he doing now?

 

[Nomadicus]

Hello and Welcome to BYC. Glad that you have joined this poultry loving community. You should find help here in this thread quicker:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forums/emergencies-diseases-injuries-and-cures.10/

 

[007Sean]

Howdy, and Welcome to Backyard Chickens.

Happy to have you here with us. Enjoy your time here at BYC!

Thanks for joining our community!

 

[Burnt Brass Homestead]

Hi @backyardCh1cken

I hope you are able to find a solution to your issue.

Welcome!

 

[DobieLover]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.

If he's crawling with lice he could be anemic. That will make them extremely weak. I would immediately treat him and the rest of the flock with a permethrin based poultry spray or dust. Make sure it gets down to the skin.
I would give him a dose of rooster booster or poultry nutri-drench to get some nutrients into him.
If he's dehydrated you may need to tube some fluids into his crop.

 

[TwoCrows]

Hello and welcome to BYC!

I am so sorry about your rooster. Lice will definitely drain the life out of the bird, even kill them over time. Definitely post in our Emergency forum, @LTAY1946 had left you with the link.

I hope he will be ok!

 

[chrissynemetz]

Welcome to BYC! I hope your rooster will be ok.

 

[janiedoe]

Welcome to BYC. @DobieLover gave you good advice. You can get Rooster Booster or Poultry Cell from your local Tractor Supply or from Amazon.
Lice and mites live off the chickens blood which causes an iron deficiency among other problems.

 

[pennyJo1960]

Welcome to Backyard Chickens. Pull up roost stay awhile.
I wish you luck.