Month-old cochin chick suddenly sleepy and lethargic

[mamashea]

We have two cochin chicks that are just a month old today. One is fine, but the other suddenly stopped eating or moving. She just stands or sits with her eyes closed. She'll drink a little, but otherwise just stands/sits there asleep. She'll let us pick her up without a struggle and periodically we'll find her beak-down and think she's dead. The local feed store is closed, so we made a Nutridrench-style solution with crushed multi-vitamins, water, and simple syrup. We dipped her beak into it about a dozen times to get a little in her, but there doesn't seem to be any change. What could she have?

 

[Dahlisgrams]

We have two cochin chicks that are just a month old today. One is fine, but the other suddenly stopped eating or moving. She just stands or sits with her eyes closed. She'll drink a little, but otherwise just stands/sits there asleep. She'll let us pick her up without a struggle and periodically we'll find her beak-down and think she's dead. The local feed store is closed, so we made a Nutridrench-style solution with crushed multi-vitamins, water, and simple syrup. We dipped her beak into it about a dozen times to get a little in her, but there doesn't seem to be any change. What could she have?

I'm not an expert by any stretch but I am wondering if they've been exposed to the outdoors yet? It could be coccidia if so as that's the age range that they seem to be particularly susceptible to it. Have you noticed any blood in her stools? Sulmet works really quickly if that's indeed the issue. I hope your little one is okay.

 

[mamashea]

We have been taking them outside everyday under a protective portable coop. None of our other birds have direct access to them, but they are able to peck and scratch out there. There hasn't been any blood in the stool yet, but I'll keep a watch for it. Thanks.

 

[Dahlisgrams]

We have been taking them outside everyday under a protective portable coop. None of our other birds have direct access to them, but they are able to peck and scratch out there. There hasn't been any blood in the stool yet, but I'll keep a watch for it. Thanks.

It lives in the soil, so that very well could be it. I'd try the Sulmet as soon as possible. You add it to the water and works extremely well and quickly too. Our local feed store carries it so maybe try yours? Good luck!

 

[mamashea]

Thanks so much. I'll pick it up tomorrow. Should I separate her from her sister?

 

[Dahlisgrams]

Thanks so much. I'll pick it up tomorrow. Should I separate her from her sister?

Personally I would treat them both. I'd also probably leave them together if they've been together the whole time anyway, and then treat them as early as possible tomorrow morning. It might stress them to separate if it isn't necessary. I'm not a vet but I've had to deal with coccidia many times in rescue kittens and more recently in chicks and that's really what it sounds like to me. I hope this helps!