Sick 8-10 week old chicken?

[erous1]

Hi,
I purchased 6 baby chickens (8-12 weeks old) 1 week ago. Since then, one has died after three days. He would sleep a lot and not hang around the other chickens. Because he would not eat, I force fed him. He progressively became more and more lethargic (would just sleep all the time). Decided to take her to the vet yesterday, but dead on arrival (much to our grief). Now I notice that another one of the chickens is getting the same symptoms: basically, sleeps a lot. Should I take it to the vet. Can they do anything? Their eyes are clear, they dont sound wheezy, their poos are a little runny though. Thank you for any advice I can get. Worried chicken mum. ps. We live in Australia.

 

[willowbranchfarm]

It could be Coccidiosis. Here is an article I wrote on coccidiosis. It has the treatment in there too.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/coccidiosis-how-to-treat-it

 

[erous1]

Hi Willowbranchfarm

Thank you so much for your reply. I will start the treatment. I do keep my chickens in clean conditions but can't vouch for the place they were purchased from. Thank you again. I will let you know how it is going. cheers.

 

[erous1]

Sorry, I mean hello chicken boots.

 

[willowbranchfarm]

You got it right the first time willowbranchfarm but eather one works.

Your welcome and if you have any questions please ask.

 

[erous1]

Once again thank you "Chicken boots". I have an appointment with the vet in 1 hours time. I will mention coccidia - (I don't know if this vet knows much about chickens) and will suggest Corid. Happy new year to you, your family and your chickens. Cheers. Will keep you in touch.

 

[erous1]

I mean "coccidiosis" not "coccidia".

 

[willowbranchfarm]

Once again thank you "Chicken boots". I have an appointment with the vet in 1 hours time. I will mention coccidia - (I don't know if this vet knows much about chickens) and will suggest Corid. Happy new year to you, your family and your chickens. Cheers. Will keep you in touch.

Thank you!! Happy new year to you too.

 

[erous1]

Hi Chicken Boots,
Just thought I would let you know that the Araucana died despite me taking it to the vet and being given anti coccidial medication. I took it to the vet to be euthanised as it was very sick. We replaced the dead Barnevelder with another one (from the same place) - another Barnevelder. After two days with us it is showing signs of illness (lethargic). I think it may go the same way as the other two.The vet is going to see if you can find a clue to their death by looking at the dead Araucana. He did specify he was not a bird specialist, but will see if he can find any clues.
This is so very distressing. We keep the chickens in excellent conditions - large area, very clean, fresh food and water - very hygienic conditions - yet they manage to die in the space of a few days. In less than a week of purchase two have died, and now another one is showing signs of illness two days after purchase. I have contacted the seller asking them if any of her other chickens have died or if she has any clue as to what the problem may be.
Thank you for your input with my initial message. I will keep you up to date if anything new comes up.
cheers from Australia.

 

[erous1]

Hi Chicken boots,
This is the reply I got from the seller.


Hi. Thanks Emma. I don't have any passing away here but I am wondering if
the trip in the car was a bit hot and that brought on the stress. This is
going to sound a bit hard but maybe the best thing is to return the lot and
get older ones that are around the 10 week mark as something is not working
with the current environment they are in for whatever reason.


Could a 30 minute trip in a car - it would have been hot, but the chicken was on my lap, not in a box. Could this have been stressful enough for them to die a couple of days later? What do you think? cheers emmanuelle.