Rooster vaguely ill but can't figure out why!

[buffy-the-eggpile-layer]

I recently posted about my 2.5 y/o bantam rooster, who had de-spurred himself. That all has healed up well but something more is off about him and I can't figure out what.

A few days before that incident I noticed him slowing down--ex. being slower to leave the run when I let everyone out to free-range; keeping to himself/not keeping up with the girls while free-ranging, standing around a lot, and not eating as much (nor drinking that I could see). He's usually quite a comical, boisterous little guy, so this concerned me. However, he was still crowing in the morning, roosting, and preening so I thought maybe his molt was making him sleepy.

Over the last two days, though, he's gotten quieter and sleepier. He's constantly dozing off. He didn't crow at all today (though he still makes his little rooster sounds). He's even less interested in food and will only eat very small amounts if I'm encouraging him. His crop is empty and his keel bone is more prominent. He's pooping less and less (though they look normal, if small, when he does). I still haven't seen him drink. Additionally, his comb is turning a bluish hue as of this morning. The temps did dip down to the 40s overnight, but that shouldn't be too cold.

I can't figure out what's wrong with this guy. No signs of mites/lice. They were dewormed this past spring (late spring/early summer).

 

[Shadrach]

I recently posted about my 2.5 y/o bantam rooster, who had de-spurred himself. That all has healed up well but something more is off about him and I can't figure out what.

A few days before that incident I noticed him slowing down--ex. being slower to leave the run when I let everyone out to free-range; keeping to himself/not keeping up with the girls while free-ranging, standing around a lot, and not eating as much (nor drinking that I could see). He's usually quite a comical, boisterous little guy, so this concerned me. However, he was still crowing in the morning, roosting, and preening so I thought maybe his molt was making him sleepy.

Over the last two days, though, he's gotten quieter and sleepier. He's constantly dozing off. He didn't crow at all today (though he still makes his little rooster sounds). He's even less interested in food and will only eat very small amounts if I'm encouraging him. His crop is empty and his keel bone is more prominent. He's pooping less and less (though they look normal, if small, when he does). I still haven't seen him drink. Additionally, his comb is turning a bluish hue as of this morning. The temps did dip down to the 40s overnight, but that shouldn't be too cold.

I can't figure out what's wrong with this guy. No signs of mites/lice. They were dewormed this past spring (late spring/early summer).

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If you can't take him to a vet then start with the things you can do.
Treat him for coccidosis and worm him.

 

[buffy-the-eggpile-layer]

If you can't take him to a vet then start with the things you can do.
Treat him for coccidosis and worm him.

I just got him a vet appointment for tomorrow morning. Do you think I should start treatment prior to that?

I didn't realize coccidiosis would be likely due to his age and there not having been any flock changes. None of the other chickens seem ill.

 

[CoopBoots]

I had a pullet earlier this summer who got suddenly lethargic, stopped eating and ranging, but otherwise seemed fine. I did treat her and the flock with Corid and she got better, and while I can't say for certain if that's what it was, it might be worth a try.

My rooster is also acting less peppy than his usual self just now, but I put that down to his visible molt and just trying to supplement with more protein. Could your guy be just starting his?

 

[buffy-the-eggpile-layer]

I had a pullet earlier this summer who got suddenly lethargic, stopped eating and ranging, but otherwise seemed fine. I did treat her and the flock with Corid and she got better, and while I can't say for certain if that's what it was, it might be worth a try.

My rooster is also acting less peppy than his usual self just now, but I put that down to his visible molt and just trying to supplement with more protein. Could your guy be just starting his?

Thanks for sharing your experience! I may do that just in case. I luckily got him a vet appointment for tomorrow a.m.

And yes, he is molting, so I do suspect that has something to do with his behavior. But I'd still expect him to eat/drink on his own a little.

Here's the weird thing. I went to check on him just now, and noticed that I can get him to fill his crop if I plop chunks of mash (feed mixed with water) onto the ground or offer it by hand--which is messy lol. But if I just leave a bowl of mash or regular dry feed out there he won't touch it all day. Only when it's a mash fed by hand or drop in globs on the ground. At least I can say, for now, his crop is pretty full.