Stake, move them at night. Watch for injures and separate again if trouble erupts. I prefer to give grower to layers rather than latyer to growers, put calcium on the side so the layers can eat it as needed. Flock raiser is one I use.
Pachickenlover, I've neverg had an issue with corn or cobs, I think you have something else going on. Of course all of my corn is raised without pesticides or fertilizers. I'm not an expert, but it sounds like a poison or illness. Are there any other symptoms?
Sounds like botulism. It is an acute illness.
Here is an a quote from another thread: The only true treatment is an antitoxin which must be gotten from the vet. Bacitracin and streptomycin have been used with varying results. Otherwise, the treatments (flushes) are started as the onset of symptoms and are VERY harsh as they're designed to flush the contents of the stomach out to rid the body of the bacteria. Those include epsom salt treatment of the crop (immediately after exposure) or molasses flushes. Both can shock a bird like this into death. I'd think at this point it might be too late for that type of flush. But selenium treatment is indicated for it. You can get that from the grocery store. Also apparently a solution of one part potassium permanganate to 3000 parts water can be useful. Treatment thereafter is supportive - nutrition, hydration.
Does the bird have green diarrhea?
I really never ever recommend the flushes unless the bird is definitely going to die and it's a last ditch effort. Those deaths are usually sudden. Has your bird regained any function below the neck? The eating is a good sign though odd.
The paralysis is classified as "flaccid" meaning limp. Are his wings limp and floppy? The disease is nicknamed "limberneck" because when it effects the neck, the head droops uncontrollably. Then the paralysis in the body would cause inability to breath and cardiac arrest. Apparently sometimes birds do survive it. Let's hope that yours is one.
I'd more strongly suspect Marek's, or another issue such as chemical toxins. But really it still can't be ruled out without a test. Although apparently with Botulism, other than the floppiness, their feathers can easily be pulled out of their follicles. Does this apply to your bird?
Otherwise, Mareks and toxins are the other situations to rule out.
Did your bird have access to wet feed? Maggots? Decaying vegetation? Any carcass? Any stagnant water? Any weed killers or pesticides used in your place or at a neighbors that maybe washed into your place via rain? Compost piles?
Baycox is actually not an antibiotic at all. It's an anti-protazoa medicine - for cocci, etc. It's not applicable most likely.
There are other illnesses or conditions associated with paralysis - like encephalitis for example. That requires supportive treatment and anti-inflammatories, not really any 'cure' for it. There's also Newcastle's, but that's usually associated with respiratory symptoms that this guy isn't displaying.
So at this point, get him to eat. Try vitamins like Enfamil non-iron formula (you can get it at CVS apparently) 3 drops in the beak. Continue the yogurt and egg especially since he likes it. You can use babyfood applesauce in small amounts to encourage his digestive system to clean out. 1/2 a teaspoon. If he'll eat it. If his crop isn't clearly easily.
Is he drinking as well? The vitamin E is good - continue that. Obviously this is neurological and E is the vitamin for that for sure. That will be required long term if he survives.
Otherwise, just be as kind to him as you've been. You're so sweet. And at least if you lose him you know you've tried your best. The fact that he's still a live is a testament to your care for him in the last few days.
Could you please let me know how he does? Via email or here or whatever. If I don't reply on the same day or so, will you email me? Sometimes my "subscription" to the post gets dropped and I really want to follow up with you on this, please.
I'll send prayers and well wishes in the mean time.
