Unusually sleepy pullet during the day! URGENT

[NewishChickenMama]

Your little ones look fully feathered, you really don't need a heat lamp anymore. Don't be afraid to unplug it. Keep us posted, let us know how it goes.

Just curious -Even if they’re sick? The ruffled feathers and perching led me to believe she was chilly. Also We are expecting a cold front that’s dropping temperature to the high 20’s(f) for a bit.

 

[Kanekoded]

Just curious -Even if they’re sick? The ruffled feathers and perching led me to believe she was chilly. Also We are expecting a cold front that’s dropping temperature to the high 20’s(f) for a bit.

She honestly doesn't look sick to me. Her eyes are clear, her poop looks normal and she appears alert and active when she's not napping. BOs are fluffy chickens and mine looked just like yours when roosting unless they were hot.

It's not uncommon for chickens to take light naps during the day and sounds that they've grown accustomed to don't normally phase them. Mine like to sit on the outside roost in the sun during the day and get a snooze in while I mow the lawn and they don't crack an eye open. A healthy looking chicken who suddenly starts doing deep naps during the day is an indication that it didn't sleep at night. If all was good before you changed the bulb, then it's likely the light that's keeping your little one awake at night.

As for the heat lamp, I think the rule of thumb is if they are fully feathered, they can insulate themselves. If removing the heat worries you, you can try doing it gradually by moving the lamp up a foot every night until you've weaned them off. 20F is not that cold for a chicken. It might make you feel better to know that I don't supplement heat for healthy chickens unless the inside of my coop reaches -20F.

 

[NewishChickenMama]

She honestly doesn't look sick to me. Her eyes are clear, her poop looks normal and she appears alert and active when she's not napping. BOs are fluffy chickens and mine looked just like yours when roosting unless they were hot.

It's not uncommon for chickens to take light naps during the day and sounds that they've grown accustomed to don't normally phase them. Mine like to sit on the outside roost in the sun during the day and get a snooze in while I mow the lawn and they don't crack an eye open. A healthy looking chicken who suddenly starts doing deep naps during the day is an indication that it didn't sleep at night. If all was good before you changed the bulb, then it's likely the light that's keeping your little one awake at night.

As for the heat lamp, I think the rule of thumb is if they are fully feathered, they can insulate themselves. If removing the heat worries you, you can try doing it gradually by moving the lamp up a foot every night until you've weaned them off. 20F is not that cold for a chicken. It might make you feel better to know that I don't supplement heat for healthy chickens unless the inside of my coop reaches -20F.

Thank you for all the information! It’s only supposed to get to the 40’s tonight, so I can go move our pig blanket (heating pad) in with them, just in case she wants to seek out heat, and turn off the heating lamp. She had been sleeping during the day before the red light went out, but maybe it was an okay amount before and the light made it increase.

Edit: you were correct about them being up! it’s pretty late at night and they were playing in the dust bath.
I’ve turned the light off and hopefully they can get a good rest tonight!
Do you believe I Should I continue the medication, just in case? Is there a danger in doing so?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

They will be up eating/drinking at all hours if they have light.

If the light were the issue, then all the chicks would be as lethargic and hard to wake during the day like she is.

I would continue to give her the drench for 3 full days along with her and her flock drinking the mixed Corid water. Corid is mild and won't hurt them.

 

[SourRoses]

How are they doing today?
Yes, she really does look sick. I hope you haven't discontinued the medicine. And I really do think she's needing the heat as I originally suggested on another thread.
A BYC article on treating sick chickens advised providing an ambient temp of 80-85f.
I have Orpingtons and yes they are fluffy - so much so that they don't puff up their feathers unless they're cold.
Your setup seemed to have a good amount of room for them to get away from the heat.
I would advise changing out the bulb for a black one (no light) or a red one (less disturbing light) both provide better heat performance than a white/yellow one.

I've seen plenty of "slumber party hangover" chicks and I promise they will still wake for any stimulus and be really active when they're not napping.

That poop is not healthy looking and Corid doesn't cause that. The only thing the Amprolium in Corid does is block the action of a B vitamin that Cocci needs in order to replicate. Medicating a healthy chick won't hurt it but failing to mediate a sick chick is often deadly.
I'm hoping for the best for you!

 

[NewishChickenMama]

How are they doing today?
Yes, she really does look sick. I hope you haven't discontinued the medicine. And I really do think she's needing the heat as I originally suggested on another thread.
A BYC article on treating sick chickens advised providing an ambient temp of 80-85f.
I have Orpingtons and yes they are fluffy - so much so that they don't puff up their feathers unless they're cold.
Your setup seemed to have a good amount of room for them to get away from the heat.
I would advise changing out the bulb for a black one (no light) or a red one (less disturbing light) both provide better heat performance than a white/yellow one.

I've seen plenty of "slumber party hangover" chicks and I promise they will still wake for any stimulus and be really active when they're not napping.

That poop is not healthy looking and Corid doesn't cause that. The only thing the Amprolium in Corid does is block the action of a B vitamin that Cocci needs in order to replicate. Medicating a healthy chick won't hurt it but failing to mediate a sick chick is often deadly.
I'm hoping for the best for you!

Thank you so much!
She was much more active today, but seemed a little lethargic. When I went in to turn off the lights, she was hard asleep. Stomping near her did nothing, but a 2nd loud “hey Chicky”, made her open her eyes and shake her head. She was awake after, walked around, got cuddles, medicine, drank and ate.
I did notice a few specks of yellow crusted discharge on the corner both nostrils. Her nose was a little runny today, but it looked clear in the light I had.

I’m continuing the corid drench for 1 more day, and will keep corid in the water for 3 more days. All my hens currently are getting corid water.

They weren’t huddled on the pig blanket today or this evening, but I will get a dark bulb for the lamp in the morning and set that up for them so they have the extra heat if they need it,

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I did notice a few specks of yellow crusted discharge on the corner both nostrils. Her nose was a little runny today, but it looked clear in the light I had.

I'd keep a close eye on that.
Do you happen to have any antibiotics on hand just in case this turns into respiratory infection?

Keep us posted.

 

[NewishChickenMama]

I'd keep a close eye on that.
Do you happen to have any antibiotics on hand just in case this turns into respiratory infection?

Keep us posted.

Will do.

I do not, But I can pick some up in the morning when we go to the store. I’d rather have it and not need it.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Will do.

I do not, But I can pick some up in the morning when we go to the store. I’d rather have it and not need it.

I'd get some Tylan50 if they have it.

 

[NewishChickenMama]

I'd get some Tylan50 if they have it.

Just checked and they do, I will purchase in the morning to have on hand.
I have vetRx. Do you think I should put some on her nose?