White mucous discharge from vent.

[Ryley]

I picked up a large group of broiler chicks on Tuesday, (born Monday), and one is incredibly limp and lethargic this afternon. It has a white moucousy discharge from its vent....not poopy like pasty butt. I have it quarantined, but I'm wondering what it might be? I think it might be too late for this chick, but hoping to treat/prevent the other chicks from getting it. Any ideas what it could be?

 

[katbriar]

Sounds like vent gleet.

 

[Ryley]

What could cause that in such a young chick?

 

[Eggcessive]

You might want to treat their water with electrolytes for a day or two, just in case they are suffering from stress. White from the vent is urine, and there could be a number of things going on with that one chick, including kidney problems. Just dip beaks into electrolyte solution, and watch for any huddling or puffing up. Most young chicks don't get coccidiosis this young, but just watch for any signs--bloody diarrhea,puffing up, lethargy, and start Corid if they seem sick. Here is a link for cocci, and a recipe for homemade electrolytes, and SaveAChick vitamins and electrolytes are also good, and can be added to the water: http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2012/12/coccidiosis-what-backyard-chicken.html

HOMEMADE ELECTROLYTE SOLUTION
1/2 teaspoon salt substitute*
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon table salt
1 tablespoon sugar
1 gallon water
*Salt substitute is readily available in most grocery stores in the spice aisle near the salt, but if you do not have it, don't worry, the solution will still have most of the benefits intended to combat heat stress.

 

[Ryley]

Eggcessive, I'm sorry for the late reply, but I wanted to thank you for your post. I quarantined this chick and fed it electrolytes, by the next morning it was cheeping and trying to jump out of its box to be with his friends. It did a complete turn around, and shocked us all.