Lethargic silkie

[pbjmaker]

I have a silkie that is around 14 weeks old that is ill.
Symptoms:
Lethargic/weak
Wings out to sides a little (hard to say if s/he is fluffed up - it is a silkie after all)
eyes closed but will open them if you pick her up and talk to her. They are still clear.
Crop had some food in it when we found him/her this way today but now it is empty
Nose is clear
seems a little on the cold side body tempature wise
Poop looked a little liquidy/mucusy and was yellowish

I have given her some vitamins and some sugar water. I also put the heat lamp on her for awhile but had to give it back to the baby chicks. She is inside the house so it's plenty warm.

I did see her get up and stand for a little while and when I just went to check on her she moved her head towards the light. My hubby who went to bed later than me apparently "tucked" her in with a towel to keep her warm.

None of the other chickens are acting ill at this point.

 

[nzpouter]

You seems to have done all you can for the moment, keep your fingers crossed and hope the warmth will do her good. Good luck.

 

[flamingauburnmustang]

Yeah. Good luck. That's what I would do if I were you. We will say prayers for you.

Keep us posted.

 

[pbjmaker]

does anyone have an idea what could be causing this??

 

[sammi]

is she wheezing or have any breath sounds?
yellowy droppings can indicate a respiratory illness..
or worms..

has she been wormed?
where is she usually kept..does she free range?

if the droppings are more tan or orangey..I'd treat for cocci asap.

 

[pbjmaker]

She is breathing fine.
She seems pretty light weight but my daughter got her to eat some scrambled eggs last night.
She does "free range" in my backyard but only for the last two weeks up until then she has been in the house or garage brooder.
Can they get worms in this extreme cold we've had the last month? Wouldn't my other birds show some kind of symptoms?

She has at least started talking to us and is standing up - but in the same place we place her - she doesn't walk around anywhere.

Hopefully these are good signs...

Oh her stool is a little more "normal"

 

[sammi]

is it cold where you are?
possible she could be cold.

what all do you feed her?

make up this mixture..very small amount..
a little water cooked oatmeal, plain yogurt, cooked egg yolk, and chick or grower feed..make crumbly, not soupy.
give it to her 2-3 times a day along with chick or grower feed for 3-5 days.
get some chick vitamins or Poly-vi-sol liquid baby vitamins..Enfamil brand, no iron..give 2 drops once a day on beak..then 1 drop for a week.
no treats, no scratch, ...

general symptoms of cocci..
lethargic
lack of appetite.
runny droppings.. tan, bloody, pink, orangey..
if you suspect cocci..she needs cocci med..Corid or Sulmet.
available at feed/farm store.
continue to listen for breath sounds..
don't pick her up to listen..wait till she's at roost, or asleep..then listen..

describe the droppings..color and consistency..

 

[Happy Chicken Mama]

Hey how is your silkie doing? We have had a sick silkie too.

Hope she is dong ok. Hope YOU are doing ok!

Feel better silkie

 

[pbjmaker]

My hubby culled her today. She wasn't eating or drinking and wasting away. I went to pet her this morning and she just fell over then struggled to right herself. All my other birds are still acting fine. I'm sad because I'm pretty sure she was the only pullet out of my silkies and she had the most wonderful vaulted skull and poof.

On a good note I had three chicks hatch that I didn't think were due until the 21st. I was running a really dry incubation this time and they hatch the best of any so far without even bumping up the humidity.