Very thirsty, lethargic cockerel....also eating but seems weak

[Lobzi]

Any ideas of how to best treat and/or suggestions as to what might be the problem?
I just added magnesium sulfate to the water source he is drinking from. Again, he seems to be drinking a lot of water.

 

[sumi]

I kept a chick alive for more than a week with a water soluble vitamin-mineral supplement for poultry. It really helped my sick chickens and gave them a nice boost when they didn't feel like eating. But you should try and find out from a vet what the problem is so you can help him get better. Good luck!

 

[Lobzi]

So did a search with these physical descriptors and came up with possible botulism poisoning. I added some molasses to the water. I havent had a chance to examine his poo or look for mites which was suggested as another possible problem I found in the search.
Any other ideas for treatment or as to what he might be suffering from would be appreciated.

 

[sumi]

Deworm him and dust for mites. Very effective way is too put some mite dust in a plastic bag, put chicken in plastic bag and shake. I did that with my hens. You'll have a mad, white chicken for a while, but it works. The dust I use (karbadust) doesn't irritate their eyes. A supplement like I mentioned in my prev post wouldn't hurt. Like I said, I kept a chick alive for a week on supplements in the water. It's good stuff.
Good luck!

 

[Lobzi]

Thank you I do appreciate the help.

 

[sumi]

You're welcome. I hope your boy gets better! Keep me posted.

 

[Lobzi]

OK, will do, and Ill check him for mites. Its never been a problem with my flock but you never know. Im afraid to deworm due to his weak condition.
Here he is in better times:

 

[Lobzi]

After a rough day for him yesterday and my having to place him up in a safe box in the coop last night, Snowy died. Im just perplexed as to what might be going on. I started a new thread asking if anyone knows of any illness that predominantly effect cockerels. Ive lost three most recently to apparently the same thing (similar symptoms).

 

[klmclain1]

I'm so sorry....he was a beautiful bird! As a side note to the dusting for mites/lice instructions - when you put the chicken in the plastic bad - be sure to leave it's head OUT!!

 

[Lobzi]

Thank you and for some reason I thought you said paper bag. Im sure it would have stressed him out. Im sort of struggling with something...exactly how much to interfere with sick birds. I always hope that they will survive and Im not going to cull them. Im wondering if my attempts to help them with sequestering them and/or forced administering of meds or feeding actually stress them to the point that it hastens their death. Id rather just stand back and let them heal themselves if that is possible. I just cant quite come to terms with this. Any ideas for others?