My rooster wont eat but he looks fine otherwise

[Lovechikins]

I have a 2 or 3 month old rooster who stopped eating today. He is normally young and vigorous, but I noticed that he seemed to stand quietly by himself today. He let me pick him up without complaint or fighting/flapping at me. He drinks and stands and walks and responds to his surroundings normally but he just wont eat. We raised him with 6 guinea fowl who are a little younger than he and think he is their leader. Today, he acted like he wanted to be around them (as usual) but he wouldn't cluck or run or lead then around like he usually does. I offered him his usual (baby food) as well as cat food (since all my chickens love it- I don't know why) but he wouldn't eat anything. I tried to feed him watery food but he wouldnt take that either. He seemed to be tired, but then again, he hasn't eaten anything. His stool is plain water, so I know everything is passing through. Pleaaseeee help! In past situations like this, my chickens have died. HELP! Thanks!

 

[Judy]

I would stop the cat food. Chickens really shouldn't have the level of methionine in cat food as it can be toxic to them. See the note at the bottom of the BYC treats chart:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/chicken-treat-chart-the-best-treats-for-backyard-chickens

 

[Lovechikins]

Thanks for the tips! I don't normally feed the chickens cat food, but they sometimes come onto our porch and eat it out of the cat's bowl. I didn't realize it could be toxic, so I didn't stop them. We noticed the little rooster was very yellow in the comb, eye, and feet areas... so maybe a liver problem? Anyhow, all his food and water is passing through just fine and he is starting to eat again. He has lots of energy now and is a lot harder to catch, like he was before. We force fed him by putting wet baby food in his mouth, and letting him swallow. Maybe not the best idea, but we didn't have much other choice because he wouldn't eat. He seems to be getting better for the most part.