Sick chick

[brod0419]

I have an 8w old buff Orpington that is not well. She is extremely lethargic (falls asleep as soon as she can) not eating and only drinking when I syringe it into her mouth (using a baby tylenol syringe) I took her to the only vet I could find in the area that would see her. He said humidity and something with her digestive system. No specifics. He gave me a young living essential oils blend to rub on her crop. I have 5 other birds that are similar ages and nobody else is sick. She has started panting while in an air conditioned room. Other than encouraging her to drink water what else can I do? She is my 2 year old daughters favorite friend and I would do just about anything to get her feeling better

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Can you post some photos of her and her droppings?

Odd that a vet couldn't be more specific. Something digestive? Is her crop not emptying?
Did he perform a fecal float to see if Coccidiosis was an issue?

I would see if her crop is emptying and with her age and symptoms, I would be inclined to treat for Coccidiosis. If you are in the US, Corid (Amprolium) can be found in the cattle section of TSC.

Liquid Corid dosing is 2 tsp per gallon of water and Powdered Corid is 1 1/2 tsp per gallon of water. Give for 5-7 days as the only source of drinking water. No other vitamins/electrolytes, etc. should be added to the Corid.

When you post more info and photos, I may change my mind, but this is where I would start. Keep pushing fluids until you can get the Corid. If she won't drink on her own, then syringe fluids into her.

 

[brod0419]

Can you post some photos of her and her droppings?

Odd that a vet couldn't be more specific. Something digestive? Is her crop not emptying?
Did he perform a fecal float to see if Coccidiosis was an issue?

I would see if her crop is emptying and with her age and symptoms, I would be inclined to treat for Coccidiosis. If you are in the US, Corid (Amprolium) can be found in the cattle section of TSC.

Liquid Corid dosing is 2 tsp per gallon of water and Powdered Corid is 1 1/2 tsp per gallon of water. Give for 5-7 days as the only source of drinking water. No other vitamins/electrolytes, etc. should be added to the Corid.

When you post more info and photos, I may change my mind, but this is where I would start. Keep pushing fluids until you can get the Corid. If she won't drink on her own, then syringe fluids into her.

Thanks for responding. I think the vet is as unfamiliar with chickens as I am (this is our first go at chickens!) she started eating hard boiled eggs and tuna and has seemed to make a full recovery. I still have her isolated but she is maaaad about it! I will get a dropping picture! Thank you so much for the advice, I really appreciate it!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Thanks for responding. I think the vet is as unfamiliar with chickens as I am (this is our first go at chickens!) she started eating hard boiled eggs and tuna and has seemed to make a full recovery. I still have her isolated but she is maaaad about it! I will get a dropping picture! Thank you so much for the advice, I really appreciate it!

If she's doing good, then put her back and see how she does. You can always pull her aside to give a little extra care as needed.