Sick Chukar Chick, Please Help!

[Cheyen]

I have a chukar chick that's about a week or so old now. He was doing great early this morning, but when I checked on him around noon I saw that he was lethargic and cold. I managed to warm him up, and he was fine for a few hours but now he's back to being lethargic again. This is my first time raising chukars, so I'm at a loss of what I can do for him. I've been hand watering him with ACV and sugared water. He doesn't have pasty butt and he's been getting save-a-chick in his water and eating regularly. I've been feeding him medicated chick starter mixed with crushed mealworms, since my feed store doesn't carry game bird starter. I read that medicated chick starter is fine to give, since the ingredients are similar to those in the medicated game starter bags, but I just want to be sure. That's the only thing I can think of to be wrong with him. Any help is appreciated!

 

[casportpony]

You might want to do some research on coccidiosis. I don't raise Chukars, so I have no idea how common a problem it is with them. IMO, the best treatment for coccidiosis in poultry is amprolium (Corid or Amprol), you'll find it in the cattle section of TSC.

The 20% powder dose is 1.5 teaspoons per gallon for 5-7 days.
The 9.6% liquid dose is 2 teaspoons per gallon for 5-7 days.

More dosing info here:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/818879/updated-corid-and-amprol-amprolium-dosing

FWIW, I use the liquid as it allows be to give it orally if I have one that's not drinking enough.

-Kathy

 

[Cheyen]

I don't think my feed store sells corid, but the amprol looks familiar. I can stop by after school to get some. This morning he was healthy looking again. His condition has been up and down, and he even ate all of the food I gave him this morning. Hopefully it's nothing too serious. Thanks!

 

[casportpony]

I don't think my feed store sells corid, but the amprol looks familiar. I can stop by after school to get some. This morning he was healthy looking again. His condition has been up and down, and he even ate all of the food I gave him this morning. Hopefully it's nothing too serious. Thanks!

Check the cattle and goat section, that's where it will be if they have it. FYI, the Corid and Amprol sold in the States aren't labeled for use in poultry, but it is approved for use in poultry.

FDA recommendations:
http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/animaldrugsatfda/details.cfm?dn=013-149
"Chickens
Indications: For the treatment of coccidiosis.
Amount: Administer at the 0.012 percent level in drinking water as soon as coccidiosis is diagnosed and continue for 3 to 5 days (in severe outbreaks, give amprolium at the 0.024 percent level); continue with 0.006 percent amprolium-medicated water for an additional 1 to 2 weeks."

-Kathy

 

[Cheyen]

Thanks, Kathy!

 

[Cheyen]

He's still going strong like he was this morning, and I got some amprol from my feed store. He's closer in size to a quail chick than he is to chicken chick. Should I make his does a little bit smaller, or do you think he can handle the recommended dose?

 

[casportpony]

if you're putting it in his drinking water it doesn't matter, he'll drink the proper amount if he's drinking. Did you get the powder or liquid?

-Kathy

 

[Cheyen]

I bought the liquid.

 

[casportpony]

Great! you can make small batches a lot easier that way!

-Kathy

 

[Cheyen]

I mixed a bottle for him but he seems more interested in his toes right now, lol. He's been drinking all day, so I guess he's not thirsty right now. Thanks for your help so far, Kathy! You're great!