- May 6, 2011
- 71
- 5
- 99
Tonight, my son peeked under the coop and found our 10-11 week Roo hunkered down. I reached towards him and he didn't move, so ended up using a board to scoot him over enough to pick him up. He didn't react at all except to open and close his eyes slowly. His legs were curled underneath and for a moment, I though he had injured one of them. Nope.
Here's the background info:
It's been 85-90 here the past 5 days. Nights upper 50-60's. The "chicks" have never been out of water or food. They had a run of Sulmet about three weeks ago for runny poos (a few had some blood going on but we couldn't tell which chick of the 26 we have--they all acted fine). All came out of it alright and have been eating, drinking, and ranging in the day in an organic-only garden area. 22% feed with random scratch and treats of greens, grapes, eggs during the past week.
I had the run open this past week and only closed it off last night after all of them were in the coop for the night. I was preparing to do some housekeeping in the morning...No, I did not do a head count at that time.
Locked them OUT of the coop this morning to clean it out. Kept the run gate closed. Left waterers OUTSIDE the run for the baby Bourbon turks we have roaming the garden area. This means there was food and water available to the Roo at all times, even though I didn't know he wasn't with the chickens.
Found him around five tonight (2 hrs ago). Took him in and inspected vent, crop, wings, legs, eyes, etc. All appear without injury, swelling or other. His comb is quite pale and is drier. His toes are curled under and he won't use legs at all. Feels very skinny/bony. Eyes will open to being moved around. Breathing was very shallow initially but has become deeper now. I have given him about 1/8 cup water via dropper but have had to open his beak for him. He will make swallowing motions but takes no initiative to try and drink on his own. Have him wrapped up in a towel on my lap. Does wake up more if I unwrap him, but then he also fluffs his feathers, so appears as if cold then. Currently soundly asleep wrapped up again. No panting ever seen. No poos to observe.
I am going to provide some sugar water/Gatorade next, but what else can I do? I do know he is dehydrated, but why? Why didn't he just get water and food? What am I missing? What is wrong with this guy? He appeared just fine yesterday and has been a very robust and active Roo until now.
Here's the background info:
It's been 85-90 here the past 5 days. Nights upper 50-60's. The "chicks" have never been out of water or food. They had a run of Sulmet about three weeks ago for runny poos (a few had some blood going on but we couldn't tell which chick of the 26 we have--they all acted fine). All came out of it alright and have been eating, drinking, and ranging in the day in an organic-only garden area. 22% feed with random scratch and treats of greens, grapes, eggs during the past week.
I had the run open this past week and only closed it off last night after all of them were in the coop for the night. I was preparing to do some housekeeping in the morning...No, I did not do a head count at that time.
Locked them OUT of the coop this morning to clean it out. Kept the run gate closed. Left waterers OUTSIDE the run for the baby Bourbon turks we have roaming the garden area. This means there was food and water available to the Roo at all times, even though I didn't know he wasn't with the chickens.
Found him around five tonight (2 hrs ago). Took him in and inspected vent, crop, wings, legs, eyes, etc. All appear without injury, swelling or other. His comb is quite pale and is drier. His toes are curled under and he won't use legs at all. Feels very skinny/bony. Eyes will open to being moved around. Breathing was very shallow initially but has become deeper now. I have given him about 1/8 cup water via dropper but have had to open his beak for him. He will make swallowing motions but takes no initiative to try and drink on his own. Have him wrapped up in a towel on my lap. Does wake up more if I unwrap him, but then he also fluffs his feathers, so appears as if cold then. Currently soundly asleep wrapped up again. No panting ever seen. No poos to observe.
I am going to provide some sugar water/Gatorade next, but what else can I do? I do know he is dehydrated, but why? Why didn't he just get water and food? What am I missing? What is wrong with this guy? He appeared just fine yesterday and has been a very robust and active Roo until now.
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