My cockerel is getting worse--- Help please

[mustangrooster]

Hi all,

Not too long ago, I posted on this forum that my frizzle cockerel had a large lump on his face. Well, he has gotten worse. Alot worse.

The lump has gone down, but now its like a black lump. Thats not the worst part, he is very lethargic. You can easily catch him...all you need to do is put your hands down and he makes a limited effort to escape. He is very hard to catch normally, so this is very alarming.

He has a pale face (though the pictures dont show it), he seems to be limping, he is barely walking...just sorta scuffs around. When he was eating with the other chickens, he just flopped down, face first into the food. I moved him away to a quiet place (not in a cage, just away from the big hens and roosters as they were pecking him---he wasn't moving when they pecked him) and when the sun was glaring down on him, he didn't move. I had to move him, and lightly dunk him (not his head, just his body) in some cool water as he felt very hot. He still feels warm, even though he is now resting in the hay under the shade.

I felt his crop, and it felt as hard as a ball. I really need some advice....I cant loose him. He's my only remaining frizzle from last year, and hes my show boy. He is going to re-start my bantam flock after last year killing most of them. Any opinions? Advice?

I'm also seeing swelling in his eyes, is that just me, or?

This was the lump:

 

[azygous]

This is so sad. I love him just from seeing his photos.

I believe you need to prepare yourself to lose him. The lump is possibly cancerous, and while the exterior lump appears to have gone down, there may be many more tumors inside of his body.

Of course, the lumps could also be caused by a respiratory virus or some other avian disease. You might try an antibiotic on the off chance that the symptoms are bacterial, but it would be mostly to rule it out if he fails to respond to the antibiotic.

The most reliable indication of the health and well being of a chicken is their behavior. A chicken that feels well, is lively, curious, vocal, and has a good appetite. A chicken that is in pain or doesn't feel well, is lethargic, submissive, mute, and isn't interested in food.

You need to consider euthanasia as it appears he could be in considerable pain. If/when he dies, I recommend getting a necropsy on his body so you will know what has caused his tumors and if this might have implications for the rest of your flock.

I'm so sorry.

 

[mustangrooster]

No....thats not what I wanted to hear at all......little Jace is one of my best birds.

But, I have it in the back of my mind that hes not going to make it.....I noticed that some of my other birds in my flock are developing swelled eye-lids etc, but are acting alright. I think maybe a sinus infection for them? But little Jace is the only one who is like this. Though, I do have another hen who has a tumour on her back, who also has swelling in her eyes, but she is still acting normal--- (Not too sure what to do about her, either)

My hopes were sky-high for this little guy this year. Is there anything I can do? Anything at all? I do have some med's left from when I treated some chicks who had cocci (but died..) a while ago, would that help? No? Is my only option euthanasia?

I checked on him, and he is still alive---sitting by himself, alone.

 

[oregonkat]

I am so very, very sorry. This is just awful. I wish I knew enough to help you. Your quote from Martin Luther King Jr. is right on. There are very knowledgeable people on here as you know, azygous is definitely one of them and hopefully someone else will chime in here in a hurry.

 

[azygous]

Now that you mention that there may be others in the flock with similar symptoms, I would recommend going on the assumption that you may have a respiratory virus in your flock and begin treating all those chickens showing symptoms with Tylan 50. I'm pretty sure you can get it at your feed store.

As I said, it would be a long shot, but it sure can't hurt to try.

Be aware, though, most CRDs (chronic respiratory disease) are virus caused and most linger on after the symptoms are treated, and they can recur later at any time.

I still urge you to get a necropsy if one of them dies so you know what you're dealing with.

But there's a chance this boy doesn't need to die right now. Try the antibiotic.

 

[mustangrooster]

I would treat with Tylan 50, however....the feedstores here have none. None at all....nothing close to it. I searched for it a few times when previous birds in the flock had conjunctivites, we ended up getting antibiotic drops. Could that be used in this situation for the rest of the affected flock?

I have just given him antibotic and garlic. He seemed to perk up a bit; pecking the ground and chattering to me, but aside from now standing, he remains the same.

Something got me thinking though, could this, somewhere along the line have something to do with worms? Not too long ago, a pullet of mine was found lying in the grass, unable to move, very lethargic. Sort of like how he is. I kept her inside and kept a close eye on her, giving her garlic, manuka honey, eggs etc. She had very runny poo, and in it, was a huge tapeworm....and smaller maggot like things (Yeah. I dont know whats going on with my birds, maybe its all the mud and rain that is affecting them somehow...) I treated her for worms (because I keep a big bottle of chicken & pig wormer in the fridge) and she healed up and she soon started to walk--wobbly at first but she is fine now. Would it be worth a shot to worm him, or not?

 

[ChickNanny13]

How is his poo? Not sure cause if he's as run down as it seems, the worming maybe too much for his body to handle. Then again it's better than nothing ... @azygous would be the advice to follow, see what he has to say ...

 

[mustangrooster]

His poo seems normal, but I'm not sure if its his poo or the other chickens poo ....I'm getting a seperate cage set up for him now. Yeah, I was thinking it might be too much for his body since he is weak, but if he had worms, would it be worth it to treat him for worms?

 

[ChickNanny13]

It's a chance I would take but you need to know it might kill him Your feed stores must have some kind of antibiotic to help respiratory issues, call and check with them.

 

[mustangrooster]

I just gave him some more antibotics (it goes with water, so he gets hydrated at the same time) and a tiny bit more garlic, I will give him some Manuka honey soon. I'm not sure if I should take the chance of worming him....I might wait and see to see what his poo looks like. He has moved a bit, and was standing up straight. He did try to walk away from me but his limping leg caused him to fall face first. He doesn't seem as hot as before, infact, his body temp seems to have gone back to normal.

Also, another question. What would be the best thing for him? To keep him warm inside with maybe a sling? I'm thinking a sling because he has done something to his leg, not sure what, maybe a bigger rooster stomped on him or maybe its something to do with his illness, but would he be more comfy with a sling that enables him to rest whislt standing?