Lethargic Polish Cockerel

[dacasodivine]

He's only 3 or 4 months. I have noticed for the last couple of days that he's been a bit lethargic and will stand with his wings out and down. I chalked it up to the hot and humid weather.

This morning I realized I haven't heard him crow in a couple of days. He is now in a crate in my livingroom. I didn't think to check it comb. I'll do that when I get home.

His crop was empty so maybe the others aren't letting him eat? No discharge. No breathing problems. Just lethargic.

I have given him the children's vitamin drops that I can't think of the name for right now. He has fresh water and food. He was eating well when I left.

Before going to the store for wormer, which is what I've read others should do in this situation, is he old enough to need a wormer?

I have heard Polish chickens can be hard to raise so wondered if this might be something related to that.

Thanks

 

[cluckychick]

Try giving him some cool yougurt. I have 2 polish and if they are hard to raise I haven't seen it in mine, they act the same as my other chickens. I have a rooster and a hen, she is quite docile and he's a sweet boy.

Hope he feels better soon and sorry I couldn't be of more help but maybe someone will come along who knows more than I

 

[tomstephens]

Just a month or so ago one of my polish was acting really lethargic. I gave her a hair cut and she was back up and at it. She just couldn't see.
No idea if it's the same for you but an idea.

 

[dacasodivine]

Fox Moulder might very well have a vision problem. I hadn't really thought about that since this precocious boy was seen chasing and mating a hen just last week!

Here's a picture. It looks like his crest, or whatever it's called, is obscuring his vision. I gave him a trim right after the pic. I'm hoping that's enough. I really like his head all fuzzy!

Thanks for the help and suggestions.

Danette

 

[dacasodivine]

Okay, I'm having some issues posting a pic. I'll try again.

 

[sammi]

I'd continue with the vitamin drops and get some electrolytes (durvet brand is good)..

not a bad idea to give him a little haircut..

describe his droppings..color and consistency.

 

[dacasodivine]

It looks like a haircut is all he needed. I could tell pretty quickly that he was more alert. I left him in the crate for a couple hours to get some food. I don't think he's been eating properly because he couldn't see the food in the dish and couldn't forage.

Once I put him outside, he acted more like his old self and he crowed this morning!