Puffed up 6 wk old chick

[Themellowyellows]

Hi everyone!

So last night my friend called me and said, "I think my chick is dying." I had her facetime me and the chick was very... Lifeless. She wasn't dead yet, but she for sure was dying. I tried to keep optimistic because she was very very devastated. I asked if I could come over to figure out why she had passed away, and she said yes. So I went over there, and right when I saw her I knew she was dead. Cold to the touch and stiff... It was so sad to see. I couldn't figure out why she had passed. No lumps, no bumps, vent was fine, crop was empty, no bubbles or foam in the eyes and no mucus. Her sister asked if I could check on her other chickens and the second I saw her, I knew something was wrong with her... Puffed up, tail tucked, lethargic and her balance was off. I told them to take her inside and I immediately started to give her electrolytes and probiotics by syringe into the beak.. Slowly, her energy came back and she perked up. It took 20 minutes or so. According to them they were not able to constantly give them water and so I just knew these chickens were super dehydrated. (There are ducks in there as well.) After 20 minutes had passed she started eating, chirping just like a happy chick would. I dont think this is cocoidios idk how to spell it. Because she does not have bloody stools. She went back out with her flock and that was a big mistake on my part. In the morning she was back the way we found her. Puffed up and lethargic. I have her doing what I did last night, and im going to stop by later.

That was the dead chicken...



Then the sick chick...

 

[CherishedFowlGuardian]

@Eggcessive @Wyorp Rock

 

[Themellowyellows]

Update:
She makes noises and she is fiesty but she keeps her head tucked in her feathers.

 

[kattabelly]

Not seeing blood doesn't rule out coccidiosis, so treating for that would still be a good idea to start with.

Your friend needs to make sure their birds have access to clean drinking water throughout the day. What and how are they feeding them?

 

[Themellowyellows]

Not seeing blood doesn't rule out coccidiosis, so treating for that would still be a good idea to start with.

Your friend needs to make sure their birds have access to clean drinking water throughout the day. What and how are they feeding them?

Oh it doesnt? I didnt know. How do I treat?


Yeah, I told her she got a feeder and waterer so they will have feed and water all day. She has them on purina chick feed..

What other symptoms should I look for?

 

[Eggcessive]

Could the others have kept them from getting enough to drink or eat? Coccidiosis symptoms are lethargic or sleepy behavior, standing hunched or puffed up, not eating or drinking, runny yellow droppings sometimes, but not always with blood. Corid from the feed store is the easiest treatment. Toltrzuril or sulfadimethoxine antibiotic are also used. Corid dosage is 2 tsp of the liquid Corid or 1.5 tsp of the powder per gallon of water for 5-7 days. Change liquid daily. Also you can give a boost dose of undiluted Corid 0.1 ml per pound 1-2 times daily.

 

[Eggcessive]

Tell your friend to keep bedding as dry and clean as possible can help to prevent coccidiosis. It is in all soil, and chicks eventually will build up a tolerance to it around 4 months of age. It is the most common illness at 3-7 weeks, and the picture of the hunched chick is almost textbook.

 

[Themellowyellows]

Tell your friend to keep bedding as dry and clean as possible can help to prevent coccidiosis. It is in all soil, and chicks eventually will build up a tolerance to it around 4 months of age. It is the most common illness at 3-7 weeks, and the picture of the hunched chick is almost textbook.

Thank you! She actually improved since I posted the last update. She isnt hunched anymore not that lethargic and is eating and drinking. Her poops are solid and normal and I heard that she is walking around a bit.

 

[Eggcessive]

Good to hear. If you friend loses another they could get a necropsy doen to find out what is wrong. They also could take in some droppings for a fecal float.

 

[Themellowyellows]

Good to hear. If you friend loses another they could get a necropsy doen to find out what is wrong. They also could take in some droppings for a fecal float.

Yeah, I am feeling hopeful about this little chick. But if she doesn't make it, ill tell her about necrospys.