Sick baby Silkie

[chicknmania]

If he's keeping eye closed, I think I would go ahead and try antibiotics. Tylan injectible is available at feed stores and you can also administer orally.

 

[JoanieMay0223]

If he's keeping eye closed, I think I would go ahead and try antibiotics. Tylan injectible is available at feed stores and you can also administer orally.

I am afraid he is not improving. I have been feeding him using a syringe used to give young children meds. It works well, he has been having very loose slurry of chick crumbles and apple sauce. He did eat this on his own at first, but now he just gets it using the syringe. He gets the peroxide water through an eyedropper. I did this about every couple of hours, but not through the night. He cannot stand up on his own, however he does open his eyes now and makes a strange noise when picked up. After hearing he has symptoms of Mereks if maybe he was skipped when the other chicks were vaccinated at the hatchery. I will call them when they open and see what they can tell me. At this point we are wondering if we are being good to him by keeping him alive. I really do not want to loose him, but is this the best thing to do for him if he is not improving. I have never given a chicken a injection, I did have a diabetic dog and gave her insulin under her skin.

 

[ryanhodapp]

I am so sorry to hear he isn't better.

 

[nchls school]

 

[chicknmania]

I am afraid he is not improving. I have been feeding him using a syringe used to give young children meds. It works well, he has been having very loose slurry of chick crumbles and apple sauce. He did eat this on his own at first, but now he just gets it using the syringe. He gets the peroxide water through an eyedropper. I did this about every couple of hours, but not through the night. He cannot stand up on his own, however he does open his eyes now and makes a strange noise when picked up. After hearing he has symptoms of Mereks if maybe he was skipped when the other chicks were vaccinated at the hatchery. I will call them when they open and see what they can tell me. At this point we are wondering if we are being good to him by keeping him alive. I really do not want to loose him, but is this the best thing to do for him if he is not improving. I have never given a chicken a injection, I did have a diabetic dog and gave her insulin under her skin.

From what I have read, Marek's vaccinations do not really make much difference. Either they get it, or they don't. However, where there's life there's hope. Definitely call the hatchery as it sounds like they owe you another bird, if this one dies. And do try the antibiotics, please. Oxytet is another antibiotic you can get at feed stores. It's water soluble and you can always use it in your chicken first aid kit even if this baby dies. If it's an infection, you should know quickly, because with chicks, they respond very quickly to antibiotics, in my experience. You should see him respond within a day or two. Just add it to the syringe, when you're giving him food or water. Even with Marek's, there are things you can do, but it's up to you to decide when enough's enough. I would try avian specific vitamins, either in the water or on his food, Rooster Booster B & K concentrate is a favorite of mine. It's another good thing to have around, for any number of issues, and if nothing else you can just give it to your healthy birds in their water once in a while. You can also use baby vitamins, but I like the avian specific stuff.

 

[CharlotteRenee]

I am sorry to hear your chick is not doing better. I hope she will be ok!