Mystery illness resulting in chick death

[kmarvin]

I had a 3-4 week old chick pass away yesterday. It was lethargic and ruffled and a bit unsteady on its legs for over a week before it died. No diarrhea or bloody stools that I noticed. Lost interest in drinking and eating but would eat fermented feed when offered. Any clue what's going on? I don't think it's Merek's but really don't know. Now another chick has been showing similar symptoms for the past 4 days. These chicks were all very healthy when I first purchased them at one week of age.

 

[Eggcessive]

I would get some Corid (amprollium) and start treating for possible coccidiosis. That would be the most common illness in a 3-4 week old chick that caused those symptoms and death. Dosage is 1 1/2 tsp of the Corid powder per gallon of water for 5 days as the only water source. Treat all chicks at once, and later follow this up with some yogurt and vitamins for a few more days. Corid is found in the cattle medicines in feed stores.

 

[kmarvin]

Thank you. I have been giving them powdered corid for three days but I've only been putting in 1/2 tsp per gallon. I will up the dosage.

 

[Eggcessive]

Some older threads recommend that dosage, but newer ones use the larger dosage for an acute outbreak. Corid is very safe, and is used off-label in chickens.