Unsecure chicken perches

[jeshen]

Was upset this morning to find Wilma (8-week-old owlbeard chick) hunched-up and obviously feeling not well. All the hens are now outside in the garden free-ranging, including Wilma, but she still looks sorry for herself. Haven't stopped adding some medicated chickfeed to her growers' pellets so hope she doesn't have coccidiosis. What could it be? Is there anything I can do for her? Is she too young to worm with fluvenvet? Should I separate her, tonight, from her pal, Betty? Don't know what I'd do without this forum...

[jeshen]

I don't think she's going to last overnight. Completely puffed-up and lethargic.

[Redwing]

Sadly youngsters arent always strong

 

If you have coxoid you could try removing the crumb and trying that. if you dont then offer 100% medicated crumb

 

They shouldnt need worming and its likely to be too much for her system anyway

 

The most likely problem is Coccidiosis I'm afraid followed by temperature (dehydration?) or crop problems

[mimi5]

Oh dear!! So Sorry to hear about Wilma!!!!! Sorry haven't any advice, as you know new to chicks myself!!! But what about the breeder you got her & Betty from.....worth a call maybe??

 

All the best, everything crossed!! Please keep us posted.

[jeshen]

Thanks both - for help and concern. Gave Wilma some coxoid last night, thinking that she wouldn't be around in the morning. This morning she's much more perky and is eating and drinking and pecking around, although still slightly puffed and her poo's a bit runny, but not bloody. Thanks Redwing! All being well, will continue for 7 days with the coxoid, and then another 7 days at half-strength. Hope that's right. Phew!

I wonder if there's any way of preventing coccidiosis, apart from the medicated chick crumb? I don't think it's connected in any way with where the egg came from, Mimi. If anything, I expect I've done something wrong. Either that, or it's just bad luck...

[mimi5]

Oh I ment that your friend might have had more knowledge/ideas of what it could have been!!!!!! But all well and that's a relief Hopefully she will make a complete recovery!!!!!

[jeshen]

Oh, sorry, yes - that wd have been sensible! My 1st thought is always this helpful forum when I'm in a chicken-panic!!!

 

Wilma's getting better by the minute - almost back to normal now!!! Can't believe she looked as if she was at death's door yesterday. Hooray for coxoid (and thanks again to Redwing ) - definitely worth keeping a bottle handy! x