hello, I have a young cockerell EE who is about 10 weeks old. He was in a separate huge brooder in our basement with his hatchmates up until about 10 days ago we placed him and the other youngsters in the main coop with a chicken wire wall between them and the adult. He was there about 6 days and DH went ahead and integrated them with the adults. Everything seemed to go smoothly, and there was a small amount of chasing, but nothing seemed too aggressive. They had been eating medicated chick food crumbles as babies, and I stepped them up to the growth formula crumbles. Since being in the main coop he has been getting layer pellets and free range. They do have grit available. Anyway, he has been normal and energetic until today I found him huddled up and he let me easliy pick him up. He seems a little thin, but not sure since I haven't had many teenagers. I set him next to the water and he drank and drank, and drank. So, I am thinking may be big birds kept him back from the water. Let him out with the rest. Came back later and he is hiding behind plywood. His crop was large and soft, rubbed it lightly and water came streaming out of his mouth. Tried to be very careful that he not aspirate. The crop is now flat and soft. He is really lethargic though. I have him inside in dog carrier. I have not seen any poop yet. Do I try to feed him? water? Not sure what to do. Doesn't seem like impacted crop, but why did the water come out? Didn't think I rubbed that hard. Please help. not really sure what I am dealing with. Could the adults be keeping him away from food? The other 9 youngsters seem ok. Thanks!
