Rooster seems ill, how do I help him?

[CelticArche]

Thanks. He's my favorite because he's chatty and lets me pet him. His skin all over is really dry. It's all really thin feeling and he's skinny enough that I can see and feel his breast bone without trying, which is why I put him on some chick feed for some extra protein. He seems mite free.

If that is a fungal thing, how long do I apply it for? And about when can I expect to tell if he's recovering?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Yes, Favus is a fungus. Apply the cream daily, it can take time for it to clear up, but I would think you should start seeing the white on the comb disappear in 5-7days.

If you have a vet that can perform a fecal float, it would be a good idea to have a fresh poop sample tested for worms as well.

Giving chick starter is a good idea - he probably likes it. My rooster also like chopped egg, so you may want to see if yours likes that too (in addition to his feed).

 

[CelticArche]

We don't have any vets that will mess with chickens around.

I did find some antifungal cream and applied it to his face and wattles and comb just now.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Continue to do what you're doing, see if he improves in a couple of days.

Keep us posted.

 

[CelticArche]

He's still chatty and awake. The cream seems to be working, as the red is coming back to his comb and wattles.

He's shedding intestinal lining in his poop, which has me scared. But probably only because I'm worried about him. Today is the last day of the corid. I'm wondering if I should put him back with the others after today?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Can you post a photo of his poop?
Is he gaining weight back at all?

If he has been separated from the others for a while, you may need to follow a re-integration process - it depends on how well the others will except him back - he may be viewed as a stranger. You may need to place him in a cage or kennel inside the run or near the flock so they can get used to seeing him.

I'm glad the cream is working for you. Since this is the last day of Corid, offer him some poultry vitamins and a little yogurt or probiotics for the next couple of days - this will boost him back up a little and help rebuild the gut.

 

[CelticArche]

His feathers are coming back in, however he doesn't seem to be gaining weight. Nor are any of the others seeming to gain weight. (They are almost all thin, except for the small, white Frazzel and the 4 chicks.)

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Tell me again what you are feeding him.

 

[CelticArche]

Purina starter and growth chick feed at the moment. We also have Purina pellets.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I would stick with the start and grow for a little while longer. His poop is quite loose though - does he ever have any that is formed?