Rooster is lethargic and droopy

[Miss Kristy]

Please help - my barred rock rooster, Tucker, has been out of sorts for the last couple days. Today I found him lying in the shade of birds' water structure. His balance is a little off, he has no energy, he's not eating or drinking much, and he is dragging his wings. I have him inside, and have given him chick starter mash and chick electrolytes because he has very watery poo. Does anyone know what else I can do for him? He's a total pain but I'd hate to lose him

 

[Eggcessive]

How old is he? Could he be dehydrated or weak from being kept from food and water? Do you have another rooster or cockerel? Is his crop empty or full? Is there any sign that he is starting to molt? I would offer him more of the electrolytes and mix some water into the chick starter, and offer it up to his beak.

 

[Miss Kristy]

I'm not sure how old he is - someone dumped him in a park last year and I scooped him up. He is my only rooster and has free access to food and water. When I brought him inside, his crop was definitely empty. I made him some scrambled eggs and he ate some of that, and a little bit of the chick starter mash also. But he isn't looking very lively at all

 

[MysteryChicken]

I'm not sure how old he is - someone dumped him in a park last year and I scooped him up. He is my only rooster and has free access to food and water. When I brought him inside, his crop was definitely empty. I made him some scrambled eggs and he ate some of that, and a little bit of the chick starter mash also. But he isn't looking very lively at all

What's his primary diet?

 

[Miss Kristy]

What's his primary diet?

He eats 16% protein layer feed along with the girls, and occasional fruit and veggie scraps. The other day there were cooked potatoes and sweet potatoes in the scraps that I think might have been on the older side. Could he have gotten sick from old potatoes?

 

[Eggcessive]

He probably would do better on a 20% protein flock raiser feed, and not give him scraps. He could have a little egg for his treat now and then. Moldy feed could cause problems.

 

[Miss Kristy]

Thank you so much! If I switch the flock to flock raiser feed, I would need to provide extra calcium for the hens, is that right?

 

[RedHillChicken]

He eats 16% protein layer feed along with the girls, and occasional fruit and veggie scraps. The other day there were cooked potatoes and sweet potatoes in the scraps that I think might have been on the older side. Could he have gotten sick from old potatoes?

Roosters shouldn't eat layer feed - too much calcium.

 

[MysteryChicken]

He eats 16% protein layer feed along with the girls, and occasional fruit and veggie scraps. The other day there were cooked potatoes and sweet potatoes in the scraps that I think might have been on the older side. Could he have gotten sick from old potatoes?

He shouldn't be fed layer Feed.
Those are good as treats, as long as it's not given super often.

 

[MysteryChicken]

Thank you so much! If I switch the flock to flock raiser feed, I would need to provide extra calcium for the hens, is that right?

Yep, calcium on the side for the hens. Easiest way is oyster shells.