Lethargy and opening beak

Chicks Creek

In the Brooder
Apr 17, 2025
28
37
49
Brockport, NY
I have an 8 wks lav orp hen who started yesterday being a little lethargic. Thought it just might be the temp fluctuations but today she is stretching up her neck and opening her mouth. No wheezing, but occasionally sneezes. She is still foraging a little and was picking at leaves/bugs. Google says it could be so many things - gape worms, respiratory infection, impacted crop. I'm thinking of starting an antibiotic course just in case. What do you all think?
 
Where did she come from? Do you see any diarrhea or standing hunched up? Is she eating at all? Have you added any other birds recently? I would consider treating for coccidiosis with Corid if she has any symptoms. Look for any watery/bubbly eyes, swollen eyelid, drainage from nostrils, crackles while breathing.
 
Where did she come from? Do you see any diarrhea or standing hunched up? Is she eating at all? Have you added any other birds recently? I would consider treating for coccidiosis with Corid if she has any symptoms. Look for any watery/bubbly eyes, swollen eyelid, drainage from nostrils, crackles while breathing.
We bought her at hatching from a local farm with 5 other birds and currently have them with another group a few weeks older. They've all been outside for a while now. They had medicated feed before going out so I didn't consider coccidia. Every other chicken in there is acting totally normal. I haven't seen any drainage but will check more thoroughly on the eyes. We have not added any birds since, she's the youngest batch. I'm unsure about whether she's eating. I was gone most of the day today and didn't get to monitor her. We're considering bringing her inside and isolating her to get better but will she be lonely?
 
You can bring her in, but since she needs to also be part of the flock, I would let her have frequent visits, so she is not lonely or forgotten. Medicated feed doesn’t always help prevent coccidiosis. Corid is pretty safe for all, so I would not hesitate to treat her or them all for coccidiosis. Dosage of that is 2 tsp of the liquid Corid or 1.5 tsp of the powder per gallon of water for 5 days. If she develops any bubbles or foam in either eye or swollen eyelids, I would get some Tylosin powder and treat for possible MG. Dosage is 1 tsp per gallon of water for 5 days. Only treat her or ones with symptoms. Here is where to find Tylosin with free shipping:
https://thecanaryfinchstore.com/product/tylosin-powder-for-birds/
 
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Just a disclaimer, antibiotics should not be given just in case. Due to the prevalent use of antibiotics (especially in cases where they are not needed), antibiotic resistance is on the rise. Therefore, unless absolutely needed, you shouldn't give antibiotics unless you have done a lot of research and narrowed down to what the illness is.
 

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