Chicken bald back

[Chickabee]

My CLB chick has just started gaping this morning. Other than this she is very healthy. Some advice needed please on best thing to do

[Beantree]

She may have a feather or something in her throat and she is trying to clear it Chickabee. I don't think there is much you can do in that case. I can't think of anything else at the moment anyway. Worth checking her crop to make sure she is still eating and drinking properly. Then her poos to make sure her system is free.

 

We had a young CLB years ago with an appetite for feathers and she developed a crop impaction as a result. That cleared with a week of massaging with a little Olive Oil given for lubrication.

[Chickabee]

Thanks Beantree. On closer inspection, she's a nightmare to catch. It seems she has an upper respitory infection. I've brought her inside and put her in my broody cage with water and food. Will speak to vet tomorrow about getting some tylan.

 

Any ideas what I can give her in the meantime.

 

This is only early onset. She was fine yesterday, no sneezing and no eye foam.

 

Should I treat all in her coop. I've just started worming them, but can put that on hold.

[Beantree]

The first thing to determine is why she has that? Dusty bedding, damp bedding, mould growth or poor ventilation. She may recover on her own if the cause is removed immediately. Separating her has achieved that but I'm thinking of the others. Obviously bubbles in the eye indicates Mycoplasma, which I hope isn't the case. I certainly wouldn't treat all of them just in case they develop an infection. The immune system of just her may be weak and the others fine.

 

Have you any powder in the coop, like ant powder or diatom? I'd remove it if you have. Young birds do a lot of flapping about and will raise any dust in there. They are also producing feather dust I assume, so that needs daily removal.

[Chickabee]

None of the above Beantree. I've been watching all the others all day. They're all fine. Her sister is showing no signs of being ill. Fingers crossed. The one that is ill is the most stressy of the 2, that's the only thing I can think of. I'm keeping her warm fed and watered. I'm loathed to go to the vet, wish I could wave a magic wand. Could end up spending a fortune on a chick that won't make it anyway. Sorry to sound so mercenary, but head has to rule heart sometimes. Been there before. Will see how she is in the morning.

[Chickabee]

Brilliant Beantree. I think you were right. I think she has got something stuck. I forgot I put some leftover chopped elephant grass in their run on Saturday. She's better this morning not gaping half as much. Whistling a little, like she normally does, and eating when I'm not looking.

 

Phew. I know I sounded callous but I'm so releived. As you know I've raised these chicks and I would have been very upset if the outcome was worse.

 

Hopefully no need for antibiotics, which I hate. Have read up on lots of alternative medication. Going to try to stock up on some.

 

Thanks for your advice