Very Lethargic Pullet with closed eye and not eating and drinking!

[Katieswan]

So a couple weeks ago, I came outside and suddenly one of my 3 month old pullets had a closed eye. I thought it got pecked on by an older hen while out free ranging with them. It did not look very swollen or have any puss coming out from it. I decided to leave it and see it if healed on its own. Well she seems to be opening more but still holds it closed a lot. Then the last few days she has become very lethargic, puffed up and not eating or drinking much. It seems to be worse today then yesterday. I have not seen her poop so I cannot tell if it is normal. However, I know I have seen her with a poopy bottom a few times in the last few weeks. I am not sure if it was from diarrhea or from pooping while laying on the ground and sleeping. She does not have a poopy bottom now but, like I said, I have not even seen her poop lately. I have been giving her electrolytes and ACV in water for the last few days and I have been bringing her to her water to try and make sure she drinks. My only thoughts are some kind of infection or possibly coccidiosis? She has not coughing or sneezing or watery eyes even. I got a antibiotic and corid today but I have not treated her with either. Any suggestions on what could be going on or how I can treat her? Should I do corid and an antibiotic to be safe or is that too much? Any help would be much appreciated. I am worried she is not going to make it with how ill she was acting today.

 

[Eggcessive]

With her symptoms of lethargy, being puffed up, and not eating, coccidiosis could be the problem at her age. Corid (amprollium) is the best treatment in the water. It is found in cattle medicines at the feed stores. Ampromed is another name for amprollium. http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2012/12/coccidiosis-what-backyard-chicken.html

 

[Katieswan]

So today when I went out she is a lot worse. Her bad eye is opening more but I can see now it is very red. She seems to have fluid coming out of her mouth! When I open it up I cannot see down her throat like I can with my older hens. I have started giving her some tetracycline in her water but have had to use a syringe to drip into her mouth.I do not really know if she is swallowing it. I think she may be having trouble breathing with the fluid? I also got corid but I think maybe it is some kind of infection that started from the eye instead of coccidiosis. I am still not sure though. She is not eating or drinking and has not even stood up today. She is doing so poorly, I keep thinking she will be dead the next time I go out there. Any other ideas on what I can do? unfortunately taking her to a vet is not an option. Sad day here.

 

[Eggcessive]

You may want to send her in to your state vet (if in the US) for a necropsy if you lose her. She could be suffering from something as bad as Mareks or a chronic respiratory disease. Mareks can cause a lack of immunity to common illnesses, along with other symptoms. It's good to know what, so that you can know whether to treat, get vaccinations for future chicks. If you can't get a necropsy (in a few states they are free or low cost) then you can always do one yourself to look at the crop, gizzard, intestines (inside and out) and liver for anything unusual. Here is a link for your state vet: http://www.usaha.org/Portals/6/StateAnimalHealthOfficials.pdf

 

[Katieswan]

Thanks for the idea. I did indeed loose her tonight.

 

[Eggcessive]

Sorry for your loss. If you go the necropsy route pleas let us know what they find.