Listless baby chick

[diggerkran]

we have baby chicks (about 8wks) that have tiny bugs on them that turn red after biting the chickens, so we were told to dust them with some special powder. The following day one of the chicks has gone quiet, keeping its head pulled down on its shoulders and not so active, still eating and feeding. I was worried I had poisoned it even though the tub of powder says non-toxic. The other chicks are fine is it just coincidence and is there anything else I can do or check for?

 

[Alexis]

Sorry to hear about your baby chick! I hope someone here has some advice soon!

 

[silkiechicken]

If they are blood sucking mites, it is very possible that a young bird can have too much blood sucked from it's body resulting in listness. If you could isolate that one bird to keep a better eye on it, it would be the best. Trying to feed it boiled egg yolk may also help get some nutrients into it and some poultry vitamins in it's water might also help. If badily infested, could have also stressed the bird enough to succumb to other ailments such as cocci since it is always in the bird, and only a problem if stressed or without an immunity.

 

[diggerkran]

many thanks for your reply - will try your advice. Another has become listless today - still drinking thankfully. Have moved them to a clean house and thoroughly cleaned everything out. I just could believe how many of these little red things there were!!! Will be keeping a close eye on them everyday - Many thanks

 

[diggerkran]

just wanted to say thank you to silkiechicken for the advice. out of the 4 only 1 died, they really seemed to perk up after the hard boiled egg and they have been moved to a new house and running around happily - thanks again