Worried about my black silkie chick

[LaPetiteFarmer]

Out of 4 bantams one seems very lethargic. She just sleeps all day, doesn't eat and the only time she drinks it's when i put her beak in the waterer. I added some electrolytes to their water to boost them out, but nothing changes for the little black one. She is smaller than the other one too. What else can I do? I am so worried she won't make it.

 

[chickenzoo]

Have you treated for coccidia? I use Corid from Tractor supply. It is often a problem in baby or young chicks. It causes weakness and sometimes blood in poo from the internal damage.

 

[Adenium]

One of mine did this a couple days in and she only got better when i raised the heat lamp...she would run to the warmest spot but was evidently overheating. not a smart one. she's been fine since and the others never had overheating symptoms. it was weird. silkies, i've decided, are just weird.

 

[LaPetiteFarmer]

I don't think it is too hot in there (about 85 and 90 F).
She made it through the night but she looks the same. Basically she doesn't move much, still doesn't eat or drink, but I notice some white stuff kinda liquid on her rear. I cleaned it and tried to give her some yogurt and some hard boiled egg yolk... without any success.
I don't know if I should get her some medication for coccidia because she doesn't have symptoms like bloody stool or puffy eyes just in case. Here is my poor lil silkie

 

[Adenium]

Oh my, Poulettes- I feel for you - she looks so sad! Our one black silkie is a little runtish and timid and I always feel bad for her, but she seems healthy.

I'm not sure what else you can do. Could they even have cocci without having had outside exposure yet?? The temp sounds good, though ours was in the happy zone when our little white silkie decided to be a pooper and try to die.

Maybe this one was just weaker, but I'm pulling for her. So cute and fluffy and vulnerable. I would keep dipping her beak so she doesn't get dehydrated. I did that with mine every hour or so, and she took several hours to get better. Hopefully you can be home to do this - I was lucky in that I work part-time and was home when she started getting weaker. Keep us updated, and maybe the grandmasters of the forum have some advice.

 

[LaPetiteFarmer]

Yes I am home all day, so I will make sure to force her to drink every hour.I just added some electrolytes to the water and she drunk a bit, but no luck with food . Thank you so much for giving me hope! I will keep you posted through the day.

 

[LaPetiteFarmer]

I spend every hour or so making drink and eat, she takes a little bit but she is still too weak, so I am going right now to the feed store to get her antibiotic for coccidiosis... just in case... if I can save her.

 

[Adenium]

Oh no - I was hoping for better news.

Good luck with her tonight. At least she's got a good momma who's pulling out all the stops.

 

[LaPetiteFarmer]

Thank you Adenium for your positive vibes. I went to the feed store and got some Sulmet. I diluted 2 tablespoon of it in a gallon of water and added some sugar. I gave her some and forced her to eat. After I kept an eye on her and she actually went and drunk some electrolyte by herself on the main waterer

. Now she is back to sleeping mode but hopefully she gets better! The girl at the store told me they usually get sick eating poop, and being 2 days in a cardboard she probably eat some. Poor thing.

 

[Adenium]

You're welcome. Gotta support those in my same new-baby-chick-arrival window. Well, that and it's nice to support each other overall on this chicken adventure. BYC has been good to me.