Sick Cockerel

[Flock Master64]

Hi guys. I have a Chocolate Cuckoo Orpington cockerel who's about 6-8 months old. The past few days he's been acting abnormal. He just sits by himself in the shade and doesn't move for hours. I think he might be too hot or maybe lethargic. He's also preening his wings a lot. So maybe he has mites too? He's a great cockerel and I really love him. He's so amazing at protecting the flock and does great with people. Right now I have in a pet carrier in my garage with some food and water. I'm looking for a fan i can put on him because its pretty hot today. Please please help

 

[mustangrooster]

Ohhh no, poor little guy

I will try my best to help.

Has he got any weight loss? Impacted crop? Any signs of pasty butt? Parasites? Signs of injury?

What does his poop look like? Any blood? Has he had access to water at all times if it has been hot? Has there been a sudden change in temperatures? Has he got a rotten food smell coming from his mouth?

The mites could very well be a possibility, it can slowly kill a chicken. Search for mites, everywhere on him, on the neck on the back in the wings etc. And if you see mites my first step would be to get rid of them, all.

In fact, I have a roster right now who was showing signs like your boy is, he's been isolated in his own cage he had a HUGE mites infestation, so if your boy has mites, I will tell you how I treat them.

Get three buckets ready, doesn't have to be buckets.

In the first bucket/soaking area put----- Strong (not too strong) warm salty water, soak him in there for a good 5-7 minutes

In the next bucket/soaking area put-------- Apple cider vinegar/warm water soak him for another 5-7 minutes

In the last bucket/soaking area put-------Warm soapy water soak him for as long as you think, then rinse the soap off with warm water.

Then blow dry him. That's how I got rid of most of my rooster's infestation of mites. Repeat the next day if necessary.

Next up I would be putting some garlic pieces down his throat, not too big of a piece, and only about 2, garlic works wonders.

I would be making up electrotypes for him, and I would give it to him full strengh, don't mix it in his water. Here: http://www.communitychickens.com/homemade-electrolyte-recipe-hot-weather-and-acidosis/

As for his water, put a tad of sugar/honey (Honey would be better) in it, and A.C.V it will help fight whatever is going on in his body.

As for feeding him, will he eat? I could list all the 'meals' to feed him but then the post would be too long, so here's a thread: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/best-healing-food-for-sick-or-injured-chickens.813191/ So, in other words, i wouldn't be feeding him his normal chicken food.

Best of luck,

-Mustang

 

[Kiki]

Try offering cool/cold water.
Frozen peas for a treat too.
But this is only if it IS the heat bothering him.

Have you checked him for bugs?
Does your garage have air conditioner....is it cooler then where he normally is?

 

[Kiki]

Apple cider vinegar kills mites?

 

[mustangrooster]

Well, I've always used it and it always works.......so, yes.

 

[Kiki]

Thx. I had never head this method

 

[mustangrooster]

No problem, it's a pretty good fix.....I combined salt water and Apple Cider Vinegar together in a bucket of warm water for one of my rooster's minor mite problem---worked like a charm.

 

[Flock Master64]

Thank you!!


ok so i checked his wing, neck, and back for mites. His skin and feathers looked healthy as far as i can tell. Breath smelled fine.

My chickens free range so theres not always water where they're at but the coop is always open so they can go get some if they want. It has been getting hotter and my cockerel is a really big/fat bird.

 

[mustangrooster]

So, no mites?

It could be he's just dehydrated, so try that electrolytes, give him some garlic, and put some ACV in his water. And try what @KikisGirls has suggested too.

Is he eating? What does his poop look like?

 

[Flock Master64]

ok

yeah, i put some feed in with him and i saw him eating a little. His poop looks normal