New to chickens and have a question about my sleepy splash Orp pulllet

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Scarlet_Cowgirl

Scarlet_Cowgirl

In the Brooder
8 Years
Jul 8, 2011
21
0
22
Hey there - I am a very new chicken enthusiast (my original flock has been with me aobut six months) and find myself quite fascinated by my girls. I had no idea chickens were so funny and has so much personality!

My original flock consisted of 2 RIRs, 2 Black Stars, and 2 Buff Orps...unfortunately my favorite Buff, Ophelia, was taken out by a 'coon last Tuesday and I was heartbroken.. which is how I found myself the proud new owner of 2 splash Orp hens, 1 blue hen, 1 black roo and one lovely lavender hen.

My biggest question is about my littlest splash hen. I caught her sleeping twice today while the others were eating and moving around. Her crop seems full and squishy, eyes are bright and clear when she is awake and her vent is completely clean of fecal matter. I just picked these girls up on Friday night - could she still just be stressed? I have them in an x-pen in my garage for now to protect them from my original flock and to quarantine them for now (is this necessary? I always did it with my new parrots for a min of 60 days - how long should I seperate the two flocks?). I am not sure on her age..I want to say ten weeks?? But she is fully feathered. She does seem just a touch thin for my liking....I am a vet assistant and am very comfortable treating her at home, but I am not sure that it's necessary right at this minute...if she were a parrot, she would be at the emergency vet!
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Not sure if I have a little more leeway with a sleepy chicken or if she should be seen right away???

I do have a vet that will see my chickas (He is also my parrot vet and does wildlife rehab - he is awesome!) so I can take her in tomorrow if she doesn;t perk up, but...I guess I just want to know if I am overreacting??

This forum is awesome and I am so glad I was guided here! The lady I bought my new flock off of recccommended it and I am hooked!

Thanks so much guys! - Krista and her ever-growing flock of chickas.....
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You can never go wrong with a 30 day quarantine -- 60 days is even better if you can wing it. It's great that you have bird experience, chickens are no different. If she looks off...something is up.

I'd make sure you give her electrolytes with vitamins and Apple Cider Vinegar in her water. Have you checked her for lice/mites? A wormer would be helpful.

It's very fortunate you have access to an exotic vet. Like with all birds, time is of the essence. A visit to the vet isn't a bad idea, or in the least do a fecal on her for worms or cocci.

I hope it's nothing more than a little stress, the electrolytes/vitamins will be helpful as would keeping her stress to a minimum.

Good luck!
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Thanks so much for the quick reply...just popped out there really quick again and she seemed completely normal...tried not to let her see me so I peeked around the door and she was eating and trying to catch flies....Ugh. I NEVER want to raise day one chickas! This is horrible.....

What kind of electrolytes should I be giving her?? I would assume that Pedialyte is ok? Not sure if there is something I should NOT be giving her...was also planning on picking up some waxworms/mealworms for my original flock - are they ok to give to babies??

I feel like a new parent....I have raised so many puppies and kittens from birth to weaning, yet a sleepy 8-10 week old chicka panics me!
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She is just soo precious and personable.... I love her already...

Thanks again!

Oh - and I saw no evidence of mites or other nasties, clear eyes, lovely feather...oh, and my Roo is from Exhibition lines, which I am kind of excited about! Who knew they had chicken shows???
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Not that I plan on ever doing it, but it's kinda cool!
 
More questions...
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So, I started taking a way closer look at my chickas... and I noticed that my blue pullet has some manure caked on her back end and is VERY thin. She is eating well, bright and alert...just thin. I have added electrolytes in the form of Pedialyte and am making sure they have access to fresh food and water 24/7. I am going to add some probiotic, too, but is there somehing else I should be doing? A supplement they can eat? What aobut live food, like mealworms and such?

Also, she vomited some clear liquid when I picked her up today. The lady I bought them from said that they can do it whan stressed or when you put pressure on a full crop....I am freaking a little that this might be something more serious???

Also worried about internal parasites. Should I deworm them? If so, with what? I plan on calling my vet tomorrow, but I am very worried.
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