Please help!! Sick chicks

[The Brahma Mama]

Hello, I am looking for any information that could help me. I have lots of young chicks aged around 6 weeks to 15 weeks old. All have been outside together in a new built coop for a couple of weeks. (The older ones have been out a week or two longer). They all seemed to be doing well but out of no where I had a Silkie chick die. A day or two later another Silkie seemed to be gasping for air and wheezing. I brought it in and decided to treat it for gape worm. I kept that chick separate for a few more days but it seemed great by the next day, with the exception of some head shaking. Fast forward about a week later (which was a few days ago), we added All Purpose construction sand to the chicken run. Two days later my Polish chick that’s around 6 weeks old was gasping for air and wheezing. I brought in and began treating for gape worm. To my surprise she stopped gasping so badly towards the end of the night and even started to eat and drink a little. At least pecked at the food some. I thought for sure she wasn’t going to make it but seemed better last night. Today she isn’t gasping like she was but seems like she’s still in really bad shape. She keeps laying face down and hardly moves and won’t open her eyes. I tried giving a little more paste for gape worm and when I went back to check on her shortly after I could see that she never really swallowed the paste. I have put Vitamins and Electrolytes in the water and I have also been putting VetRX on her. Does anyone have advice on what else I can try or if they think something else may be going on? I didn’t originally treat my whole flock (40 chicks) for gape worm because they are all young and I’m not completely sure that’s what is going on, but I did go ahead and treat them all last night. However when I went out to check on the others this afternoon I found another Silkie around 6 weeks old gasping and seems like it’s kinda lost its voice. I didn’t originally treat also notice that the Polish was shaking its head some last night after it started getting better like the first Silkie did. The first Silkie got sick before we added the sand so this probably isn’t the case- but I’m wondering if the sand could be causing them some respiratory problems? Does anyone have any advice or thoughts on what could be causing this or how I can help? I really appreciate all the help I can get!!

 

[MarlaMac]

Sorry you are experiencing this.

Worth considering:

All-purpose sand is not considered noxious, but it is not safe for children to play with due to its coarse and dusty nature. It is primarily used in construction and landscaping projects, where it provides strength and durability when mixed with concrete, mortar, and plasters. While it is versatile and affordable, it is not suitable for recreational play areas like sandboxes or sand tables, as it can cause irritation and respiratory issues. In construction, all-purpose sand is processed to remove impurities, ensuring it is free from clay, silt, and organic materials, making it reliable for structural applications. However, it is important to note that all-purpose sand should be kept away from children and not used in areas where they might come into contact with it

 

[coach723]

Are you seeing any abnormal droppings anywhere from any of them? Coccidiosis is very common in chicks.

 

[The Brahma Mama]

I have seen some more runny droppings since treating them for gape worm, but I didn’t notice any thing before that. It could be Coccidiosis, but I’m really hoping it’s not. I have some Corid I could treat them with, but a lot of my flock are Silkies and I have heard not to give them that medicine if possible? All of the others outside seem to be doing really well today, but I doubt if the Polish makes it through the night. Would I see other signs of Coccidiosis right away or is the abnormal droppings the first thing to look for?

 

[coach723]

Common symptoms are being lethargic, sitting fluffed up, going off food and water, runny, mucousy, or bloody droppings. Some birds display difficulty walking or it may look neurologic in some cases.
Corid (amprolium) is a thiamine blocker or mimic, so in some cases it may cause a thiamine deficiency. I don't have silkies, but have heard they are more susceptible to that, I don't know how much more at risk they are. I know I've never hurt any of my birds with it, but never have had silkies. If you think it's coccidiosis, then I would treat, since coccidiosis can kill, and supplement vitamins that contain thiamine after treatment is complete. Toltrazuril is another medication that can be used for coccidiosis, but you would probably have to order it.

 

[The Brahma Mama]

Common symptoms are being lethargic, sitting fluffed up, going off food and water, runny, mucousy, or bloody droppings. Some birds display difficulty walking or it may look neurologic in some cases.
Corid (amprolium) is a thiamine blocker or mimic, so in some cases it may cause a thiamine deficiency. I don't have silkies, but have heard they are more susceptible to that, I don't know how much more at risk they are. I know I've never hurt any of my birds with it, but never have had silkies. If you think it's coccidiosis, then I would treat, since coccidiosis can kill, and supplement vitamins that contain thiamine after treatment is complete. Toltrazuril is another medication that can be used for coccidiosis, but you would probably have to order

I may go ahead and treat for Coccidiosis because I’m not sure what’s going on. Unfortunately there’s not a vet that sees chickens within hours of me so I’m just doing what I can. I really appreciate you getting back to me!!