Not sure what to do???

[kellybea73]

I have a blue laced red wyandotte that is not doing good and I am not sure what to do for her. I got 12 chicks (7-9 days old) on May 16th and this little chick just doesn't seem to be growing like the others. She is practically the same size. We noticed yesterday she is moving less and less. I have given her sugar water and that perks her up, but she still isn't keeping up with the others.

I am worried about her. One of my Easter Eggers did the same thing last weekend. Only difference was the EE was growing so I was really surprised when she went from moving to laying around and dying within 12 hours.

She doesn't have pasty butt so I don't know what is going on???

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome! And I'm sorry about this. Some chicks just aren't going to live, no matter what you do. On the other hand, if there's a problem with diet or management, it might be fixable. Did the chicks come from a disease free flock? Are you feeding chick starter with amprolium to manage coccidia? Only a post mortem exam will answer the question, unless something obvious can be seen. Mary

 

[song of joy]

It's really tough to tell from the description, but have you considered coccidiosis? It weakens and kills chicks rapidly. I lost 2 chicks this year, and it was only 12-24 hours between first signs of weakness and death.

If you think it might be coccidiosis, begin Corid treatment ASAP. After the Corid treatment, give the chicks a B vitamin supplement for several days, as Corid can block thiamine (vitamin B1) uptake in some breeds.

 

[kellybea73]

Thanks yall! I just looked up coccidia and it sounds like that might be what happened. Both chicks were fine and wham acting lifeless and than dying in the same day.

I checked and I have the non medicated starter, too. So I guess I need to get some medicated. We clean the food/water bins daily and the brooder house every 2 days. For the last 3 days they have actually spent the day outside in the chicken tractor and we bring them inside at night since it has dropped into the low 70's at night.

Thanks for your help. I am knew and learning as I go. Angie (the lady I got them from) has given me a ton of info, but I learn more as things happen.

 

[song of joy]

If they are suffering from coccidiosis, the medicated chick feed will not help them as it only has a small dose of medication that is intended to prevent - rather than treat - coccidiosis.

To treat coccidiosis, you'll need a medication called Corid. If using liquid Corid, mix 2 teaspoons into a gallon of water (or 1/2 teaspoon into a 1-quart waterer). Mix up a fresh batch of medicated water each day. Treat for 5 consecutive days. Sometimes people re-treat 10 days after the initial treatment.

Also - Welcome to BYC!