Sick Pet Rooster

[Brahma Chicken5000]

Thank you for the clarification

 

[RB 10]

Thanks for all the input. Homer is still struggling. He quit his yogurt and now I have to feed him by hand (except for thin sliced roast beef, which he will take from my hand and swallow). If I get food into his beak, he swallows it. I used some tips here and have given him some olive oil and a bit of vinegar. I gave him a Permethrin bath yesterday which got rid of the mites on his body (and a bunch of eggs). I intend to spray his coop as soon as it quits raining here but he isn't in it except at night (and last night he didn't pick up any mites).
I tried feeling for his crop again and all I can come up with is a small harder area that feels like his adams apple (fairly small). I massaged that as best I could. I quit his shots day before yesterday, but today he was run down again so gave him one - they seem to make him pick up in about 30 minutes to an hour so I will continue for now.
His bowels are still working but the oil has loosened them a bit - not real diarrhea. He kind of gurgles when I pick him up and sometimes when I message his front - not coming from his lungs. He clicks his beak and makes a slushing sound from time to time. Still on his feet and came running (really interested in my pizza) when I had lunch but just can't bring himself to take anything. Still if I put it in his beak, down it goes. He loved mandarins before this hit him, by the way, and still quickly swallows them if they get in his beak. Keeping him hydrated with water & chicken enzymes and he sometimes takes the water on his own if offered.
That's the update. I would appreciate a chicken vet name in my area so I might have him looked at - regular vet didn't know chickens at all.
Thanks again.

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

Homer sounds like an adorable rooster. I hope that he has a speedy recovery and is back to himself in no time.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I'm sorry he is not getting any better.

You don't mention where you are located - hopefully with this link you will be able to find a vet http://www.aav.org/search/custom.asp?id=1803

You can also look up your state diagnostic lab here - they should be able to assist you in finding a vet or they may provide services, a lot depends on where you live https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/nahln/downloads/all_nahln_lab_list.pdf

Thank you for the update, please keep us posted.

 

[RB 10]

Thanks Wyorp R. I'll look into these. My area is Idaho and we should have a lot of livestock vets in the area - just finding ones for the two legged feathered friends is hard. Homer holding fairly steady - maybe a tad better today and not sleeping quite so much. Have been taking time to get food down him since he will swallow it. Drinking water on his own (when I hold the cup for him) and takes an interest in food - just won't touch it when he gets close. I have to push it into his beak and then he takes care of the rest. Will keep everyone in loop.

Addenda: Found three avian vets nearby (only ones listed) but no diagnostic lab in Idaho. Maybe a roadtrip to Corvalis, OR (just kidding).

 

[theoldchick]

So sad he's not doing well. Keep looking for an avian vet. You can try talking with animal shelters, pet shops and Petsmart and see if they can help you find an avian vet. In the meantime give your little guy supportive care including keeping him warm and dry. Deworm him with safeguard liquid designed for goats. About 1/2 cc orally should do the trick. The best diet for him right now is hand feeding formula for baby birds you can purchase at Petsmart or any pet store. You can add electrolytes in his water which can be bought at stores such as Tractor supply. Another product I like to use on ADR (ain't doing right) chickens is Toxiban. This is a charcoal based liquid designed to absorb toxins produced by a sour crop. Remember this is an older bird and giving him antibiotic injections while he is possibly dehydrated is tough on his kidneys. In a veterinary situation chickens like these are placed in an oxygen cage and once stabilized, blood work, fecal, and radiographs are performed. Subcutaneous fluid are then given to help correct electrolyte imbalances. Once fully rehydrated, the patient is then given antibiotics and tube fed (if needed).

 

[Kiki]

Thanks Wyorp R. I'll look into these. My area is Idaho and we should have a lot of livestock vets in the area - just finding ones for the two legged feathered friends is hard. Homer holding fairly steady - maybe a tad better today and not sleeping quite so much. Have been taking time to get food down him since he will swallow it. Drinking water on his own (when I hold the cup for him) and takes an interest in food - just won't touch it when he gets close. I have to push it into his beak and then he takes care of the rest. Will keep everyone in loop.

Addenda: Found three avian vets nearby (only ones listed) but no diagnostic lab in Idaho. Maybe a roadtrip to Corvalis, OR (just kidding).

http://www.agri.idaho.gov/agri/Categories/Laboratories/AnimalHealth/indexabout_us.php

Here is a link to your state vet...hopefully they are close to you.

 

[RB 10]

Sad news about Homer. Sunday, he regurgitated the food I got down him with a lot of blood. I had an appointment for him with the "avian vet" that came up on KikisGirls link for Monday so took him the 30 mile which I think he enjoyed. They found that he had a large plaque at the back of his throat and it started bleeding again while they were looking. They strongly suggested I put him down so I decided that was the best choice for him. When I got home I looked up the plaque in this forum and it appeared to be due to a bacterial (protozoan) infection that may have been going on for some time. He had been passing blood in his stool for at least the last two weeks (black) so that probably accounted for the anemia I was trying to treat.
I will really miss his company and antics - thought I would let everyone know so early treatment might save a chicken down the road.
Again, thanks for all the help and input.

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

I am so sorry for your loss. I am sure that you did the best you could for Homer and you loved him until the end. I am so sorry

 

[theoldchick]

Very sorry to hear of this.