Ruffled Feather chick

ChickenMama6RIR

Free Ranging
8 Years
My chick has had ruffled feathers for the past 4-7 days. She is smaller than all the other chicks and not really growing, so I thought she was the runt. She almost always has her head tucked or in her wing, tail down, and down in a crouch. She does not have a swollen face or anything, and does not have runny eyes or nose. Her feet are usually cold. She doesn't move much. She just sits there and when she does move its slow, and her neck is still tucked. She does make a weird noise when she breathes but it's not loud. I don't know the last time She has used the restroom. She doesn't eat or drink much either. She doesn't really interact with the other chicks much, but she will chirp at them sometimes. She also make a "twur" sound sometimes. All the other chick act fine so I think it's just her. I don't think whatever she has is contagious. If she has anything, it might just be the way she is idk? I think have covered everything. Someone please help, I want to be able to help her if she needs it, but I don't have enough money to go to the vet. She also breathes out her mouth sometimes.
 
How old is your chick? She could be just a weak chick with some immunity problems, but chicks can suffer from coccidiosis, an intestinal disease caused by protozoa in their poop and in dirt. Corid or ampprollium, available at most feed stores, will treat that. It is put in the water for 5-7 days, and safe enough for all the chicks to drink. Dosage is 2 tsp of the liquid Corid or 1 1/2 tsp of the powder per gallon of water. Feed it to her a drop at a time with a dropper if she is not drinking. The price can vary at feed stores from $16-24.
 
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She may be dehydrated which can be a result of her lethargy or being bullied by more vigorous chicks. Is she still under heat in a brooder? What is the temperature? Give her water with vitamins and electrolytes, such as SaveAChick, or just water if that is all you have. Hold a tiny cup or a spoon to her beak. Dip her beak repeatedly while letting her swallow after each drink. That is less likely to cause her to choke. Add a few drops of molasses to her water or food. It is a laxative for chicks. Probiotics or a small amount of plain yogurt daily would help. Moisten her vent with a bit of vegetable oil and a QTip, which may lubricate things.
 
Ok thanks! There is still heat in the broader and they seem to like the temperature, being very active chicks except her. I have given her a little bit of sugar water to get her energy up and I have given grapeseed oil too. I can tell it has helped but not enough. She had a hard lump up under her vent, but now it has slightly softened.
 
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