Very sick Guinea!! Please help!!

[ThmsnCrttrFrm]

Today I noticed one of my 8 wk old guineas were splayed out on the ground like she was sunning. The closer I got I realized she couldn't stand up and just layed there. Her eyes are open and bright but she's very lethargic and continuously wants to go to sleep. I brought her inside and gave her some water w/ electrolytes but she won't eat. Now she's got her head down and her eyes are constantly shifting back and forth like the rooms spinning. She has been in her pen and we havnt fed anything unusual. Just her starter and game conditioner. Occasionally we feed diatomaceous earth but thats it The other three guineas are perfectly healthy and running around. I'm at a complete loss. Don't know what to do. Any help would be greatly appreciated. UPDATE: my husband just came in and told me she didn't make it.. Hopefully my others will be fine. It would be nice to know what just happened though???

 

[PeepsCA]

Sorry for your loss, unexplained deaths are common in Guinea flocks, but I know that is neither comforting, or the answer you are seeking...

There's a million and one things that could have taken your Guinea Hen, and without knowing the entire environment the birds are in and exposed to, I can only guess what the cause of death might have been. Could have been as simple as a head injury that occurred in the coop from spooking in the dark, but took time to swell and take effect once she was let out. Could have been garden/yard pesticides, rodent baits, snail baits, fertilizers, antifreeze... etc etc, on your property, or one of your neighbors' properties. The symptoms you described could pertain to any of the things I just listed, and more.

I suggest penning the birds for a few days, watching them closely for any sign of symptoms, and also checking around for possible toxins that she could have ingested. It may not give you an answer, but at least you will be able to rule out anything that may take more of your birds, (hopefully).

Electrolytes and vitamins won't hurt the rest of the flock, so if you can, keep adding them to fresh water daily for a while.

Hope the rest of your flock stays healthy and fine. Best of luck.

 

[critters]

so sorry to read of your loss...

 

[Danisclan]

I am so sorry for your loss! Its never easy, ecspecially when its unexplained. I hope all goes well the rest.

 

[daylily27]

I am so sorry for your loss! I lost two that I still don't know what happened but my other three are doing great! Which I am so grateful. I know how bad it hurts. They really get under your skin and soon become family!

 

[Zehmazoo]

Did you ever find out what the problem was? And how did you treat her?
I have one with the same symptoms

 

[Mixed flock enthusiast]

Did you ever find out what the problem was? And how did you treat her?
I have one with the same symptoms

This is such an old thread, and the OP hasn’t been on BYCs for years... I’m so sorry that your keet is ill. Unfortunately, there are a lot of possible causes, from coccidiosis to impactions of the gut from eating shavings. The only suggestion I have is to keep it warm and separated and try to get electrolytes into it. My experience with very sick keets has not been good. I do wish you the best of luck though.