Sick Black Sumatra pullet

[chicknmania]

She's about 5 months old, acting slightly lethargic the past few days, not eating as of today. I caught her easily, which I should not have been able to do. She does not appear underweight, no diarrhea, no discharge, no anything.

History: Dewormed with Levasol, twice over ten days, in mid October 2019. This was her first deworming. Treated her (and the entire flock) with Corid December 8 - 12th, 2019, because we had a Polish pullet and a mottled Cochin with Coccidiosis. They both recovered, the rest of the flock was fine as well. Flock recently completed (about 3 days ago) a 12 day preventative treatment with Denagard. They are getting probiotics in their water today, just routine because of the antibiotics (Denagard)

I have Shimmer the black Sumatra in a hospital pen. She's a very nervous bird anyway. She will not eat and is totally stressed being in there. I'm just trying to decide what to do until I can get a fecal. I guess i will try treating with Corid again, and see if that helps, until I can get a fecal to make sure she does not have worms. I am afraid the stress of being confined might kill her, but being loose with the flock is not a good idea either at this point.

I am mainly posting this because I have not had this breed before and i was hoping someone that does have experience with this breed might have some insight. Anyone?? I'm not sure why she would need either Corid or dewormer when she's had both so recently. Maybe I should try probiotics first?? I really, really don't want to lose her, I have always wanted one, and I got her for a steal from the hatchery...

 

[azygous]

It could be anything, but I think you can rule out worms and coccidia since you've treated for them. A fecal float sure wouldn't hurt, though. Have you checked her crop? Is it full? Hard? Soft? Ruling out a crop issue is important since it's one of the most common causes of illness.

She could have had the bad luck of getting into something rotten with bacteria. This happens often with young chickens who are energetic about digging deep into compost spots. She also could have found some bacteria carrying insects to eat.

If you rule out a crop disorder, an oral antibiotic may be a reasonable thing to try.

 

[chicknmania]

I checked her crop when I caught her, and it was empty. When I went away and left her, she did finally eat all of her food, so that is a relief. I brought her some more goodies, hoping she'll eat enough that she will provide a fecal sample I can run to the vet tomorrow morning.

I have Oxytet and Baytril. But not sure what antibiotic would be appropriate for something that vague? I haven't checked her for canker yet either, as I want to give her a chance to calm down and get used to her new situation. Anyway, in the meantime, I think I'll just give her some probiotics in her water for today, til I can get a fecal.

Our peacock is finally recovering from a severe bacterial infection, with the help of a vet, so that is a possibility also, although his symptoms were different from hers.

 

[chicknmania]

She has capillary worms. Either resistance being developed, or she just didn't get enough dewormer for whatever reason. I'd guess some of both...

 

[micstrachan]

How do you know? Fecal float?

 

[Gray Farms]

You have to treat them twice with Corid for it to work right. Treat for 10 days to kill the parasites then wait 10 days and treat again to kill off any new ones that have hatched. The first treatment won't kill the parasite eggs. Fecal test would be highly recommended if it were me. Hope you can get turned around. Electrolytes and probiotics in the water will help as well.

 

[Gray Farms]

Sumatras are a flighty breed. If the pen is large enough try putting another hen with her.

 

[Gray Farms]

Maybe an x-ray to rule out hardware disease.

 

[chicknmania]

Hardware disease?? Lol. Yes she had a fecal and there was nothing to see except a few cap worms..not bad. Shes already on the mend thank you, we're taking care of it. Either there's some resistance developing or she didnt get enough dewormer last time.

 

[chicknmania]

I only posted about it at all because shes a rare breed and sometimes these fancy breeds are more susceptible to things than the commoners are.