Something is wrong with my pullet

[thumper362]

She is about 4 months old not laying yet, her breathing is starting to look labored but her comb doesn't feel hot. After the first day she looked to be improving but yesterday went way down hill. She doesn't free range but they have a 6x12 run that they spend the day in.

 

[thumper362]

I have gone to check in on her a few times and found her on her back with her feet in the air, not sure if she is just getting stuck or if she breathes better that way.

 

[Eggcessive]

Mareks disease and botulism can look a little alike, and that is why I'm always reluctant to recommend a flush unless someone knows that it may be botulism. It's a hard decision since flushes can cause diarrhea and dehydration in a sick chicken, but may help if it is botulism. The molasses flush is more gentle than the epsom salt flush, though. Since she does not fee range, I would say botulism is not the problem. I have read where others have had suspected Mareks and found chickens on their back with legs in the air. Did she have a Mareks vaccine? If she doesn't make it, I would get a necropsy done by your state vet to find the cause of death is possible. Here are some links to read about Mareks disease:
http://extension.unh.edu/resources/files/Resource000791_Rep813.pdf
http://partnersah.vet.cornell.edu/avian-atlas/#/disease/Marek's_Disease
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/the-great-big-giant-mareks-disease-faq

 

[thumper362]

I am not sure about vaccines, to be honest this is my first flock and I had no idea they should be vaccinated. I did get 5 chicks of different breeds from the same guy and haven't seen anything weird for the others. Next time I get chicks I will be sure to ask the question before hand.

 

[Eggcessive]

On rare occasions there have been cases of coccidiosis which have come back on necropsy reports that have looked like Mareks disease symptoms. I'm not sure that it could be what is wrong here, but I sure wouldn't want to miss something. Symptom of coccidiosis are lethargy, weakness, sitting or standing puffed up, diarrhea (can be bloody,) poor appetite, and ruffled feathers. Treatment for that is Corid (amprollium) for 5-7 days in the water, just in case you think this is possible.

 

[thumper362]

Poor Ms Cleo can't sit or stand she is just laying there. I may try giving her a molasses mix again.

 

[toynutz]

Eggcessive gave some good suggestions. If it is Mareks, you need to know. If it is cocci, it's treatable... some treat for cocci anyway just to rule it out. If you got your chicks from some guy, chances are they weren't vaccinated for Mareks. If you didn't feed medicated chick starter, they could have cocci. But then again, it could be something different... I had a girl the same age as yours with EYP. I would suggest either treating for cocci or a vet visit now or a necropsy if she doesn't make it to rule out Mareks. I'm not sure if more molasses would be that helpful... can you get her to drink some vitamin or electrolyte water? If not, you might need to dip her beak in it or try a little in a syringe. I feel so sorry for your poor Ms Cleo!

 

[thumper362]

Any idea where I can find this Corid I live close to a TSC but I'm not sure what else is close. I did start off feeding medicated feed for about the first 2 months, so do you still think coccidiosis could be the problem? I'm willing to do anything I can, I have been giving her water with a syringe for days now. I'm starting to wonder if I shouldn't just have my DH cull her, I don't want her suffering.

 

[casportpony]

Poor Ms Cleo can't sit or stand she is just laying there. I may try giving her a molasses mix again.

DO NOT GIVE MOLASSES, just give her gatorade, pedialyte or water. Probably okay to give her some corn syrup, too. She needs to be kept warm and given fluids and a little sugar.

-Kathy

 

[casportpony]

Any idea where I can find this Corid I live close to a TSC but I'm not sure what else is close. I did start off feeding medicated feed for about the first 2 months, so do you still think coccidiosis could be the problem? I'm willing to do anything I can, I have been giving her water with a syringe for days now. I'm starting to wonder if I shouldn't just have my DH cull her, I don't want her suffering.

You can get it at TSC in the cattle section. While you're out getting it, stop by someplace that sell aquarium air line and buy 18" of it. Take that with you to TSC and buy a 30-60ml syringe that will plug onto it. You hen needs tubing and I can teach you online or on the phone.

-Kathy