Subdued nine-week-old poland

[AuntieWeasel]

I have seven nine-week-olds, apparently in robust health so far. Today, one is subdued. I kept finding him sitting in the grass some feet from the others, facing away. Tonight, when they all went to bed, he was still sitting in the grass.

I've picked him up and examined him several times. No apparent injury, no sore spots, eyes look bright, no sneezing. He's not being picked on. When I put him down, he'll peck around a little and then go back to sitting by himself. I gave him some scrambled egg and put him in with the others (now second guessing I should have separated him).

The whole flock just came off a 7-day treatment for cocci. I don't really think it was necessary, but there was some sneezing and I thought better safe than sorry. Any ideas?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I have seven nine-week-olds, apparently in robust health so far. Today, one is subdued. I kept finding him sitting in the grass some feet from the others, facing away. Tonight, when they all went to bed, he was still sitting in the grass.

I've picked him up and examined him several times. No apparent injury, no sore spots, eyes look bright, no sneezing. He's not being picked on. When I put him down, he'll peck around a little and then go back to sitting by himself. I gave him some scrambled egg and put him in with the others (now second guessing I should have separated him).

The whole flock just came off a 7-day treatment for cocci. I don't really think it was necessary, but there was some sneezing and I thought better safe than sorry. Any ideas?

Can you post some photos or a video of him?

You mention there was sneezing, so you treated for Coccidiosis? What did you use?
Coccidia are protozoa that live in the intestines, they don't relate to sneezing. Did your chick have any other respiratory symptoms?

 

[AuntieWeasel]

I thought sneezing was a symptom of coccidiosis! But you're right; purely digestive tract.

They were on medicated chick crumb until six weeks, then a course of Coxoid in the eighth week. I never got a chance to see his poo.

He's looking better this morning. If he's back to it when I get back from work, I'll take a picture. But there's not much to see, honestly -- a sulky chick huddled in the grass.

Thanks for the reply.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I thought sneezing was a symptom of coccidiosis! But you're right; purely digestive tract.

They were on medicated chick crumb until six weeks, then a course of Coxoid in the eighth week. I never got a chance to see his poo.

He's looking better this morning. If he's back to it when I get back from work, I'll take a picture. But there's not much to see, honestly -- a sulky chick huddled in the grass.

Thanks for the reply.

I would try to get him hydrated and eating. Are his eyes covered up by his feathers?

 

[AuntieWeasel]

He died a few minutes ago, sadly.

I had trimmed their crests a few days earlier, so I could see his eyes. He was subdued again today, but when I picked him up, he would drink and eat and peck around a little, and then go back to being lethargic. Later, I found him lying on his side in the grass and thought he was dead, but found he was breathing a little when I looked closer. I brought him in and tried unsuccessfully to give him some water by syringe. His eyes were open and he had a little blink reflex, but he soon closed his eyes and I believe he has stopped breathing now. I won't do anything with the body until overnight, just to be sure. No discharge, so no clue there.

We're in the middle of a wild thunderstorm now, but when it clears I'll give their run a good cleanout. I have a temporary run I can put the others in while I disinfect. Any other suggestions?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

He died a few minutes ago, sadly.

I had trimmed their crests a few days earlier, so I could see his eyes. He was subdued again today, but when I picked him up, he would drink and eat and peck around a little, and then go back to being lethargic. Later, I found him lying on his side in the grass and thought he was dead, but found he was breathing a little when I looked closer. I brought him in and tried unsuccessfully to give him some water by syringe. His eyes were open and he had a little blink reflex, but he soon closed his eyes and I believe he has stopped breathing now. I won't do anything with the body until overnight, just to be sure. No discharge, so no clue there.

We're in the middle of a wild thunderstorm now, but when it clears I'll give their run a good cleanout. I have a temporary run I can put the others in while I disinfect. Any other suggestions?

I'm so sorry!
Can you send or take the body for necropsy? It might be worth knowing what was wrong with him.

 

[AuntieWeasel]

I can ask if my local vet is willing. I have a good country vet nearby. It's after hours here now. Would it compromise the post-mortem to wait until tomorrow?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I can ask if my local vet is willing. I have a good country vet nearby. It's after hours here now. Would it compromise the post-mortem to wait until tomorrow?

Double bag the body and refrigerate it.

 

[AuntieWeasel]

I'll see what they say tomorrow. Don't think my husband will be thrilled with a dead chick in the fridge, but I'll try. Thanks again for your help.