Possibly a sick chick!

[drstratton]

My 4 week old Buff Orpington Rooster, seems to be off of his feed this morning! Every day I feed my chicks a morning mash of chick starter soaked in warm water. This little guy is the one that is always there to greet me and hop in my hand! Today, he was totally disinterested. I left them for a bit and came back and he was still standing in the same place he was when I left. I also give them a clump of grass and dirt to scratch around in...just to let you know the routine! I brought him into the house with me and checked him over...his crop is soft and I'm really not sure about his tummy! I want to observe him to see if he is going to the bathroom. Is there anything else I should check. I have some homemade electrolytes for chicks, should I give him some of that or wait and just watch him for a bit. I will be so sad if anything happens to him, he's my favorite!

 

[AltonaAcres]

When I feed my chicks, some run right up and gobble it down, others just mind their own business. I wouldn't worry unless he has symptoms

 

[drstratton]

When I feed my chicks, some run right up and gobble it down, others just mind their own business. I wouldn't worry unless he has symptoms

Thank you! This is just so unusual for him. He's usually right there to greet me, hop in my hand and keep the other chicks in line...lol!

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Is there anything else I should check.

Most common issue at that age that takes birds off feed is coccidiosis... treat with Corid... making sure it's the only source of water... and if adding water to the make mash... use the Corid water. Only 1 strain shows as blood in droppings but it can be deadly fast. Do NOT use supplements during treatment. If he isn't eating or drinking you WILL need to direct dose him (at drench level).

Since you say crop is soft.. I'm gonna figure empty... but just in case you can check for blocked or sour crop... and it's late for pasty butt... but check it too..

Not running up to eat when they usually do and being in the same location... are BOTH symptoms... ACT now!

What kind of droppings are you seeing? If you want to confirm if it is or isn't coccidiosis.. you can have a fecal float/count done at the vet.

Hope he recovers quickly!

ETA: I've seen LOT's of very poor advice offered and with so many different experiences and perspectives, always get a second or third and more opinions.. and ALWAYS do what makes the most sense to you... follow your gut with the information you have available at the time.

 

[Eggcessive]

Is the chick having runny poops? At this age it might be possible coccidiosis, but hard to know for sure. Do you have any Poultry NutriDrench, Gatorade, or electrolytes? Those could give a boost. If coccidiosis is suspected, that is treated with Corid in the water. Dosage is 2 tsp of the liquid in each Gallon of water for 5-7 days. Symptoms of coccidiosis are sleepiness, standing around hunched or puffed up, not esting, runny poops, and sometimes blood in poop.

 

[drstratton]

Most common issue at that age that takes birds off feed is coccidiosis... treat with Corid... making sure it's the only source of water... and if adding water to the make mash... use the Corid water. Only 1 strain shows as blood in droppings but it can be deadly fast. Do NOT use supplements during treatment. If he isn't eating or drinking you WILL need to direct dose him (at drench level).

Since you say crop is soft.. I'm gonna figure empty... but just in case you can check for blocked or sour crop... and it's late for pasty butt... but check it too..

Not running up to eat when they usually do and being in the same location... are BOTH symptoms... ACT now!

What kind of droppings are you seeing? If you want to confirm if it is or isn't coccidiosis.. you can have a fecal float/count done at the vet.

Hope he recovers quickly!

I don't have any Corid...these guys were vaccinated, so I assumed that would prevent that problem. I live an hour from the nearest vet or feed store! I haven't noticed any bloody stools and he doesn't have pasty butt! I will check with some of my friends and see if they have any Corid, if not I will contact the feed stores to see if they have any in stock, if that fails I will call the vet. Thank you so much!

 

[Eggcessive]

Try electrolytes first or get NutriDrench. It may just need some fluids and electrolytes. Mix some chick feed in a small container with water, and see if it will eat.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

these guys were vaccinated, so I assumed that would prevent that problem.

Hmm, I would think so... as long as you also weren't using medicated feed.

He doesn't *look* puffed up in the pic..

Hopefully you will find some answers and have him return to normal soon!

 

[drstratton]

Is the chick having runny poops? At this age it might be possible coccidiosis, but hard to know for sure. Do you have any Poultry NutriDrench, Gatorade, or electrolytes? Those could give a boost. If coccidiosis is suspected, that is treated with Corid in the water. Dosage is 2 tsp of the liquid in each Gallon of water for 5-7 days. Symptoms of coccidiosis are sleepiness, standing around hunched or puffed up, not esting, runny poops, and sometimes blood in poop.

Try electrolytes first or get NutriDrench. It may just need some fluids and electrolytes. Mix some chick feed in a small container with water, and see if it will eat.

I've noticed some cecal poop, but it's not completely runny and no blood! I will try to offer him some electrolytes and see if that works. I have a syringe that I can use to feed him, if I have to! Thank you!

 

[drstratton]

Hmm, I would think so... as long as you also weren't using medicated feed.

He doesn't *look* puffed up in the pic..

Hopefully you will find some answers and have him return to normal soon!

This is an older picture showing how he usually acts! I don't feed medicated feed! Thank you so much! I'm hoping he's just having an off day!