Lethargic Rooster

[thercman]

Hey all!

A couple days ago I notice he wasn't moving around much. Since then he hasn't left the coop. This morning I went out to look him over for injuries and found none. Since I don't handle my chickens being able to pick him up let alone even get near him was a red flag in of itself...

This was him on Saturday. I am not even sure what breed he is since I am new to this. The neighbor's parents own a farm and had ordered a couple hundred chicks and received a batch of "exotics" by accident, so I took a few. I also just added two more Aurauconas to my flock Saturday evening and they have been cuddle up against him. I am worried he may have a disease that may spread. Any thoughts?

 

[thercman]

After reading another post I may see if I can get some sulmet for the water just to be safe. As for this guy, I may put him down.

 

[ten chicks]

First rule is quarantine any new birds for at least a month to prevent any diseases/viruses/etc from contaminating your flock. He appears to be an orpington,i have orpingtons and they are excellent birds,all of mine including my roosters are very friendly/docile birds.

Is he eating/drinking/pooping normal? Check him over for crop issues such as impacted crop. If you are going to treat for Coccidiosis(you mentioned getting Sulmet,so guessing cocci is what you are thinking)i would purchase Corid(amprolium)as it targets 9 strains of cocci whereas Sulmet targets only 2.

 

[thercman]

He has feathers growing on his legs and feet so maybe he is a mix of orpington and something else.

He hasn't moved since Saturday so no he is not eating drinking or pooping that I am aware of.

Since my backyard is tiny I really have no place to quarantine birds. Once I get my my 5 acres (next year) I can but right now I have to risk it on 30ft x 60ft yard.

Just looked up impacted crop and watched a video of a guys flipping the bird upside and squeezing to release pressure... Learn something new everyday...

I would rather not use medication if its not necessary, however my egg product has almost come to a halt over the last week.....


EDIT: on a side note over the last week I have had issues with my stomach. Not sure if there is a correlation or not....

 

[thercman]

Well I flipped him over and massaged his neck/chest and he did vomit a bit... I am going to wait a bit and try again. Maybe that was the problem.

 

[ten chicks]

Well I flipped him over and massaged his neck/chest and he did vomit a bit... I am going to wait a bit and try again. Maybe that was the problem.

If he did vomit then it may be sour crop which can be a result of impacted crop. Is his crop squishy feeling any foul smell coming from mouth?

Here is a link regarding impact/sour/pendulous crop issues and treatment.

www.the-chicken-chick.com/2012/04/answers-from-chicken-vet-on-impacted.html

Also search BYC for other treatment options as there are many.