Severe mites, then cannot stand

[ruchelle]

I have a 5 year old rooster that is mean as a snake and I cannot handle him. He became VERY sick over the course of 3 weeks, falling over, could not stand, severe loss of weight, near death. When he became so weak 5 days ago I could pick him up, moved him inside, (freezing here) and discovered an overwhelming mite infestation...zillions of them. I treated him with POULTRY Protector which killed almost all of the mites. He is eating and drinking very well...meal worms plus normal diet plus vitamins in his water and he is much stronger and animated. However he cannot stand up or walk at all; when he tries to move he topples over his head or to his side. He mostly lays forward on his breastbone with tail up in the air. His poop looks normal. When I pick him up he flails his feet around like he is attacking or trying to stand. I’m thinking that he was so dehydrated, malnourished, and anemic that he just hasn’t fully recovered his strength yet but wonder if his near death experience has caused something else. ANY advice will be appreciated.

 

[azygous]

Mites or lice? Mites don't usually live on the chicken, but they can cause weakness and illness from anemia. Examine his skin. If he has skin redness and signs of scabby bites, you would be correct about mites. Lice, don't usually cause such serious health issues, but certainly may cause misery.

If the bugs were mites, you will also need to treat the coop as that's where they live and breed. There may be intestinal worms, as well. You should probably de-worm him.

The parasites may only be coincidental. He may have a serious avian virus that's slowly killing him. However, you can treat anemia and weakness. Raw liver is very good for the anemia. Don't give him iron supplements.

You can treat his weakness with sugar water for a couple of days. Treat his leg weakness with B-complex tablets. And, of course, use a wormer on him.