Rooster needs help!

[Hrg73]

Hello. New member to BYC, thank you for accepting me! We started off with 7 chickens, 6 hens and one rooster about five years ago. Not sure if their actual age because they were given to us full grown. Over the years we’ve lost some due to predators or unknown causes. We are now down to one hen (Pumpkin) and our rooster (Mister). Over the last winter they became infested with lice/mites which we treated (several times now) with elector psp. Mister, during this time started have spasm like seizures. They start out with him lowering his head, spreading his wings then jerking his feet and head, at times very aggressively. Often ending up on his back. He’s losing his feathers, has a rash that I’ve been treating with neosporin and vetericyn spray. After hours of research it seems to me like it’s a vitamin b12 deficiency. He’s been given nutri- drench and rooster booster, scrambled eggs, beef liver, dark salad greens. I’ve been keeping him on the porch in a box with a heat lamp due to his feathers loss. Last night was the first night that I didn’t find him on his back every time I checked on him. He’s still having the fits throughout the day though. Is he improving or am I kidding myself? He also has a bumblefoot which I’m treating to treat but it’s difficult to soak him because of his spasms. My husband said we should have put him down weeks ago but I hate the thought of it being something that I just haven’t tried. Any advice would be appreciated. Also, he has a great appetite, drinking lots of water and poops seem to be normal. I just don’t feel like he’s dying, I feel like I’m failing him I have a video but don’t know how to upload it.

 

[SilverBirds]

Welcome to BYC! Can you start a new thread in the Emergency Room? That way the experts can help you. So sorry this is happening and for your losses.

Also, you have to post videos onto other sites such as YouTube and post the link to the video on the thread.

 

[janiedoe]

Hello. New member to BYC, thank you for accepting me! We started off with 7 chickens, 6 hens and one rooster about five years ago. Not sure if their actual age because they were given to us full grown. Over the years we’ve lost some due to predators or unknown causes. We are now down to one hen (Pumpkin) and our rooster (Mister). Over the last winter they became infested with lice/mites which we treated (several times now) with elector psp. Mister, during this time started have spasm like seizures. They start out with him lowering his head, spreading his wings then jerking his feet and head, at times very aggressively. Often ending up on his back. He’s losing his feathers, has a rash that I’ve been treating with neosporin and vetericyn spray. After hours of research it seems to me like it’s a vitamin b12 deficiency. He’s been given nutri- drench and rooster booster, scrambled eggs, beef liver, dark salad greens. I’ve been keeping him on the porch in a box with a heat lamp due to his feathers loss. Last night was the first night that I didn’t find him on his back every time I checked on him. He’s still having the fits throughout the day though. Is he improving or am I kidding myself? He also has a bumblefoot which I’m treating to treat but it’s difficult to soak him because of his spasms. My husband said we should have put him down weeks ago but I hate the thought of it being something that I just haven’t tried. Any advice would be appreciated. Also, he has a great appetite, drinking lots of water and poops seem to be normal. I just don’t feel like he’s dying, I feel like I’m failing him I have a video but don’t know how to upload it.

Welcome to BYC. I'm so sorry for your stressful situation. I can see your husband's point, but I'm afraid I, like you, would keep trying all I could.
I hope someone will be along shortly, who can help you.

 

[Kenneth Zweerink]

Welcome to BackYard Chickens. The Best of Luck with your Rooster. And a Big Hello from Eastern Nebraska!

 

[Tonyroo]

Sorry to hear about your rooster. I'll tag some people that can give some insight and help.
@Eggcessive , @Wyorp Rock

 

[N F C]

Hi, that would be worrisome behavior. Here's a link to the ER forum, someone there may be able to give you some advice: Emergencies / Diseases / Injuries and Cures

Best wishes!

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC. How long has he been on the vitamin supplementation? I would give him enough time for it to take effect.

 

[Hrg73]

Well since people in my chicken group onfb we’re suggesting nutri drench, I was more focused on that. Until I read there’s no vitamin b12 in it So I’ve only really been putting the rooster booster to him diligently fora few days. That’s why I feel like he’s not ready to give up yet. He seems perfectly normal except when he does that fit.

 

[BlueBaby]

Hello, and welcome! I hope that you will be able to find something that will be able to help your rooster with the problem that he is having. Good luck!

 

[DobieLover]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.
I also second giving the supplementation more time to work.
Good luck with him.