Please help Lethargic Roo

[fancybanty]

I have a 5 year old seabright roo that is not up on his roost tonight. He was fine this morning and now he is hunched up down in a nestbox close to the floor (he is usually up by the ceiling). He let me reach in and pick him up -very unusual, didn't try to escape or fight back. His eyes look clear and alert but his comb and wattles are a dark purple and cold to the touch. His feathers are silky and I can't see any mites but he is holding his tail down and ruffling his feathers. It has been cold here (in the teens) but has warmed up this week to the 40s-50s. No visible injury, doesn't appear to have been fighting. He was one of my first chicks, just a "mutt" but he has been around for awhile. He is free range in the daytime and on a poultry maintenance feed and grains at night but didn't eat at all tonight. Not sure what his poop looks like. All the other chickens appear to be fine.

 

[lurky]

i hope i post this correct. This is a thread from a few days ago.

I hope it helps.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=33896

 

[lurky]

OMG your work is amazing!!!!! I just saw it and i am very impressed. It must feel so great to be able to create such beautiful designs. I wish i had a fraction of your talent!!!!!!

 

[fancybanty]

Thanks for the compliments, I love my job

This is pretty scary (Fowl Cholera), I hate to assume the worst. I had read somewhere about dark combs and lack of oxegen? I am hoping this is something much simpler and less dangerous. Anyone know how long seabright bantams live?

 

[sammi]

how old is he?

my thought is that with Cholera, the comb would be hot...
tho I guess it's possible

there are several things that can cause a bluish color to the comb and wattles..including heart problems, and respiratory problem.

does he seem to have any problem breathing?
does the skin itself have a bluish tint?
can you hear any wheezing?

have you checked his crop for possible impaction?


I would separate him to a warm safe quiet place, and try and get some water into him..by drops on beak..don't pour the water down his throat.
I would also put vitamins and electrolytes in the water.

do you have a vet?

 

[lurky]

Christy, i was not trying to scare you or be negative. I never even read the entire post....I just knew it was the only thing i have EVER read on here that resembled what you described. Also i thought alot of people will often mention other ideas than just one. Did you try putting vitimins/electrolytes in the water?
I read alot of people suggest that for strengthening them. I even read its good to do in the winter just due to the stress of the cold. I hope he is ok.
Wendy