Rooster sounds congested and lethargic. HELP!

[momknowwhat]

Barnevelder, 7 months do not know his weight but seems lighter than a week ago. He is lethargic and seems congested. He has been acting like this for about 4 days. There is no sign of trauma. His comb is a darker red in color. He has been eating feed but lately it has been less. I have not been able to determine his poop. I was wondering if there is anything natural I can do for him that would help. I use pine shavings and he lives like a KING and a bit on the spoiled side. Thank you for any help that you can offer. He really is a sweet boy.

 

[momknowwhat]

Could be it be heart failure or just a cold?

 

[micstrachan]

Poor sweet boy. How can you tell he’s congested? Is there any sneezing, coughing, discharge? I am learning on these forums that the crop is often the first place to look. Please check that his crop is empty in tbe morning and let us know. I do wonder about a respiratory infection, but I think we need more info to tell. Can you bring him in so you can monitor him more closely and provide a calm, warm environment? How is he eating lately?

 

[Nyla]

Have you checked the mouth for any sores?

Try using VetRx. One of my hens started to act just like that. I used VetRx for 1 week and on the 2nd day the hen was all better.

 

[ChickNanny13]

To get him to eat, try mixing feed with plain yogurt and give him some "treats" with extra protein (tuna, boiled/scramble egg, mealworms, etc...) Maybe some Nutri Drench & vitamins/electrolytes in his water. Is he drinking? Separate him, keep him warm & check his poop. Any other symptoms?

 

[MINDANAO DAVE]

Get that bird on antibiotics now erythromycin. If it is hot and humid where you live put him in the air conditioning. Keep water melon in the box it helps to keep him hydrated. Give him a double dose initially and every 8 hours after a regular dose.

 

[MINDANAO DAVE]

Don't worry of him eating. He needs electrolytes and to keep hydrated. Yogurt and the other things will congest and compromise his breathing. If he wants to eat he will eat.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

How is he today?

You mention he sound congested - is he coughing, wheezing?
Have you changed/added anything in the coop, bedding, run?
How is his crop - is it emptying overnight?
Any chance he ingested anything moldy?

Bringing him in is a good idea, but please do not put him in a cool, air conditioned room. A sick chicken needs to be kept warm (75-80F).
See that he is drinking very well. Sometimes you will need to investigate to determine what might be causing him problems - sounding congested can be numerous things from a crop issue, moldy feed, dust/poor ventilation to respiratory illness. Check him over for lice/mites as well.

If you have vet care, that is always best.