Sick roo... deteriorating FAST!!! Please help!

[chickychicka]

Hello chicken friends!
I hope someone can help me save my rooster!
I do not know what's wrong with him, he was 100% fine yesterday, throughout the night, and this morning he started acting strange, napping, not eating nor drinking, and not able to take care of his girls, but he still ran away from me. In seven hours he has gone from bad to worse! I just went to pick him up (he NEVER lets me do that!!!) and I noticed that he cannot stand up anymore! He is slumping over. What could this be! What could take such a toll so fast on my roo??
I gave him some water with honey. Please someone give me ideas what else I can try. Or what could be wrong?
Thanks a lot!!!

 

[chickychicka]

There is mucus in his throat... it is very sticky.

 

[Eggcessive]

He could be very dehydrated and weak, or he could have other problems such as a respiratory disease, or could have eaten something toxic. Does he cough or sneeze, gasp, or have nasal or eye drainage? Is his comb bluish? Does he seem paralyzed in his legs, or does he mainly seem weak? I would give him electrolyte water with a dropper or spoon to the side of his beak. You may use children's electrolyte or rehydrating fluid such as pedialyte, or even Gatorade, but here is a recipe for homemade electrolytes:

HOMEMADE ELECTROLYTE SOLUTION
1/2 teaspoon salt substitute* or potassium chloride
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon table salt
1 tablespoon sugar
1 gallon water

 

[chickychicka]

"He could be very dehydrated and weak, or he could have other problems such as a respiratory disease, or could have eaten something toxic. Does he cough or sneeze, gasp, or have nasal or eye drainage? Is his comb bluish? Does he seem paralyzed in his legs, or does he mainly seem weak? I would give him electrolyte water with a dropper or spoon to the side of his beak. You may use children's electrolyte or rehydrating fluid such as pedialyte, or even Gatorade, but here is a recipe for homemade electrolytes..."

He just died in my hands. But please help me further if you can!
He did not cough or sneeze but had mucus in his throat draining out. His comb did change into those oxygen-poor colors like you described. Yes... his legs seemed paralyzed. He was also panting and towards the end I heard him wheeze. What could this have been?? Do you have an idea? What do I do for the rest of the little flock? If it is something that can get passed on... where did he get it from?? They free range in my backyard and I got no new chickens.
I am so sad.... he was such a good roo!!!!

 

[Eggcessive]

Botulism is from eating a toxin found in dead animal or fish, or maggots from them or rotted vegetation. It comes about suddenly with paralyzed legs, progressing up the spinal cord to the wings, then neck, and eventually paralyzes breathing muscles. Mareks disease, a virus may cause paralysis in one or both legs or wings, or the neck. It can kill suddenly, but many times it takes time. Mold in the feed can cause similar neurological signs. Can you refrigerate his body in a plastic bage, and send it or take it in to the state vet? I am sorry for your loss. Were your chickens vaccinated for Mareks?