Sick Chick?! With pic

[LittleBoPeep1]

This chick is 5wks old. Tonight, I noticed that her tail feathers were dropping, she looked tired (although it was evening), and she sneezed a few times (after I changed the bedding). Is this normal or should I be concerned? all the other chicks seem fine.

 

[darlingdarla]

She looks unwell in the picture to me.
Have you noticed any other symptoms? Unusual droppings? Will she eat or drink? Have you checked her for pasty butt?
The more information you give the better chance you have of getting good advice from more experienced members.

 

[micstrachan]

Yes, keep an eye on her. I am glad to see she has a heat source. How does her poop look? Have they been outdoors yet? Coccidiosis is common in chicks and can take them down quickly. I would also check that her crop is full before bed and empty when she wakes up.

 

[LittleBoPeep1]

Thank you for the replies!
Some more info:
No pasty butt
Still inside
I believe she has normal drippings
I also believe she is eating and drinking well

 

[darlingdarla]

How is she doing now?

 

[LittleBoPeep1]

Thanks for following up She seemed to be still sick It seems respiratory related. I added oxytetracycline to her water. We'll see if that helps

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Thanks for following up She seemed to be still sick It seems respiratory related. I added oxytetracycline to her water. We'll see if that helps

Can you post some photos of her poop?

What respiratory symptoms are you noticing?
What dosage of Oxy are you using - do you have a photo of the package?

 

[LittleBoPeep1]

I can't find which poop is hers in the brooder. Symptoms: lethargy, dropping tail, some sneezing, breathing with mouth open when picked up. All chicks have empty crops before bed. Can't remember the exact dose, but also added some chick booster to the water as well. Thank you for all the help

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I can't find which poop is hers in the brooder. Symptoms: lethargy, dropping tail, some sneezing, breathing with mouth open when picked up. All chicks have empty crops before bed. Can't remember the exact dose, but also added some chick booster to the water as well. Thank you for all the help

Do they breath with their mouth open when they are in the brooder or only when picked up?
What temperature are you keeping the brooder at? Is there only 1 warm spot or is all of it the same temperature.

Do you turn the light off at night? If the light is on 24/7 then I would expect for the crop to never completely empty since the birds would eat during all hours.

I know you are treating with antibiotics, but with those symptoms and the age of the birds I would also treat for Coccidiosis. Do you have any Corid on hand?
If not, I would get some asap and begin treatment.
Dosage is 1 1/2 teaspoons Corid powder or 2 teaspoons of 9.6% Corid liquid per gallon of water. Give for 5-7 days - make sure this is the ONLY water available during that time period. Mix a fresh batch at least once a day.

 

[LittleBoPeep1]

After seeing a chick with Coccidiosis, I am now almost sure that is what it is. I switched the chicks to medicated feed and they will be on Corid for five days now.
Thank you so much for helping!!!