I have a silkie hen mothering mixed bantam chicks aged 14 days, 13 days, and 10 days old. Yesterday I moved their large dog crate nursery into a lightly shaded area in our yard, and they spent a few hours picking in the dirt. This afternoon, when I let them out, all the chicks were perky and happy, but a few hours later I noticed the 10 day old seemed lethargic. It was standing upright just fine, but not running around with its siblings. Its crop seemed pretty empty (the other chicks' were full) so I brought it in and tried to get her to take some starter mash and warm water. Didn't want to eat - just cried for mama and passed a very loose, pale yellow/white stool. I put her back in with the family, but while the others gobbled up the remains of the mash she had only a bite or two before going to stand in the corner.
Okay, details - babies are eating medicated chick starter, but it came from a bulk bin so I don't know what med is in it. They've had the same food since hatch, but do get snacks of bread, tomatoes, lettuce, and whatever mama hen finds for them in the dirt. It's been between 92-98 degrees here while they've been outside, but this afternoon there was a cool breeze near dusk. Their bedding (straw) has stayed dry, except around the waterer.
I looked through a bunch of threads and it seems like this could be the start of coccidiosis. I can't get any meds until the morning, but is there anything else I can do tonight? Should I bring her in, under a heat lamp, or let her stay with mama? (She got really distressed earlier when I brought her in - cuddling and clucking to her didn't help much.) I'll make up some sugar water for hydration - is there anything else I should try and get in her?
Any help would be appreciated. This is my first experience with a sick chick, and I'm feeling very anxious. Thank you in advance!
Okay, details - babies are eating medicated chick starter, but it came from a bulk bin so I don't know what med is in it. They've had the same food since hatch, but do get snacks of bread, tomatoes, lettuce, and whatever mama hen finds for them in the dirt. It's been between 92-98 degrees here while they've been outside, but this afternoon there was a cool breeze near dusk. Their bedding (straw) has stayed dry, except around the waterer.
I looked through a bunch of threads and it seems like this could be the start of coccidiosis. I can't get any meds until the morning, but is there anything else I can do tonight? Should I bring her in, under a heat lamp, or let her stay with mama? (She got really distressed earlier when I brought her in - cuddling and clucking to her didn't help much.) I'll make up some sugar water for hydration - is there anything else I should try and get in her?
Any help would be appreciated. This is my first experience with a sick chick, and I'm feeling very anxious. Thank you in advance!
