Listless, hunched over, and puffed up? 10 weeks old. What's wrong?!

[mysweetgypsy]

It would be just like me to overreact! They weren't really interested in their feed, though I saw each of them pick at it a little, and they tried the new oyster shell. But not like they would normally, usually they attack their food. I really appreciate all the help. I guess I'll just wait until the morning. Hopefully one of the feed stores will get back to me with some Sulmet. Thanks

 

[kelar]

You could also use sulfadimethoxine or corid (amprollium). If the chicks have been on medicated feed, I go with the sulmet, but sulfadimethoxine is supposed to be safer. You can usually find one or both of the sulfas in the livestock section.

 

[mysweetgypsy]

Thanks to everyone. I cleared the bedding away from the feed area and this morning found trace amounts of blood in the droppings, so it's likely cocci I guess. None of the feed stores I called yesterday carry any sulfa meds so I'll be heading out today to follow up on a couple tips My hens are all very healthy looking, aside from the odd posture for the two, so I think I caught this in time. Thanks for all the advice

 

[pips&peeps]

Why don't you get Corid? Iit is pretty readily available in the cattle section of most farm stores. It is also easier on them.

 

[mysweetgypsy]

I can't understand why but all the store I checked yesterday did not carry ANY poultry antibiotics! I'd buy any brand or variation! I figured it would be easy to get, not at all! I put an ad on CL and got a few leads where to look but so far none of these feed stores carry cocci meds for chickens. They carry large pill versions for cattle/pigs, but that really isn't a safe alternative. Once I find it powdered I'll probably buy them out

 

[pips&peeps]

Corid is not an antibiotic, it is in the cattle section. It looks like this:

or this:

 

[Judy]

It does sound like cocci, and there is no antibiotic that will help as cocci are not a bacteria, they are a protozoa. Sulfa drugs and amprolium (Corid) are the only choices. Giving antibiotics when they are not indicated certainly can be harmful. And Corid is definitely easier on them than Sulmet.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=368508

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=461910

 

[mysweetgypsy]

I mis spoke when I said antibiotic. I knew I was looking for a sulfa based drug to clean up a "bug" not an infection. I did find one pack of the 20% Corid. Most places carried meds for upper respiratory, but ONE place had the Corid! How do I dose this down?