Our cockerel is not well.

[johnwesleybarke]

Our cockerel is not well. He's 25 weeks old. Today slowed right down and then by this afternoon was sitting down, head almost touching the ground and I was able to just walk up to him and pick him up, we haven't handled him much so normally he runs away, but not today. We've brought him inside with water and a little cider vinegar added, and some layers pellets, but he's not drinking or eating. He's in a darkened room in a safe large cage with bedding. Just checked him again. He's breathing in out about 80 times per minute with his beak open, his ears have white stuff on them. I've checked his crop, it's not that full. There's no sign on his feet or skin of mites. At the moment we can't afford a Vet. Any advice? Appreciate your input. Thanks.

 

[ChickNanny13]

Chicks & Cockerels/Roosters should not be fed layer (I've read although some disagree ... The calcium in it can be toxic (liver/kidneys), you can feed him and the rest of your flock Flock Raiser, Grower, All Purpose, etc... Adding a separate dish of Oyster Shells for the laying girls.

Can you post a picture of him? His ears? Where are you located, is it hot? Hopefully more will chirp in with their knowledge ....

 

[johnwesleybarke]

Thanks for your reply ChickNanny13. We've checked the Layers Pellets, no added Calcium, organic feed mix. I'm giving him Electolyte this evening in his water and removed the pellets until the morning. We're in Dorset, England. He's inside the house in a quiet dark room, it's 19º C, his whiteness on the ears is not symptomatic I've realised. He's a Silver Maran, and they have white ears. He's a bit calmer now, breathing slowed down. Really hope he pulls through, such a nice chap.

 

[johnwesleybarke]

UPDATE: The cockerel is out and about in the sunshine again. He's much brighter. At 2 am (it's 3:20 pm here now) I gave him electrolyte by syringe (without needle - just to get it in his beak), not much. By 7 am he was crowing again and his eyes much brighter. I kept him in with electrolyte in his drinker and by the time we got back from church he was much better. Hopefully he over whatever it was.

Thanks to all the Comments.

 

[coach723]

Glad he's doing better. I would suggest that you look around where they roam to see if he possibly ate something toxic, just to be sure and get rid of it if you find anything.

 

[ChickNanny13]

Possible heat? Glad to hear he's better but as coach723 recommended check around for something he may have gotten into that he should not have.