sick baby

[golfdiva]

I have 8 baby female chicks (from mypetchicken.com). They are about 3.5 weeks old. They all seemed fine and healthy until a few days ago. I noticed one that seemed a little less active and was every so slightly wobbly. Now today she is decidedly less active - mostly just sitting and often tipping over to the left.

I have kept all 8 of them in a pen the basement the whole time, except for a few minutes when I tried to put them in a pen in the yard. They were able to get through the pen, so quickly collected them and put them back in the basement.

I don't see any injury, no discharge, sneezing or wheezing. She is a little wet on the underside and a little bit of poopy butt, but not blocking the vent. I have seen her eat and drink, however her crop feels mostly empty. She is alert.

Is there anything I can do for her?

Thanks!

[Evy]

It may have contacted coccidiosis from being on the ground at that age. You can try some amprollium (CORID ).

[golfdiva]

Thank you! I kinda wondered about that. I have some Sulmet, but I think it is too old. I will get some Corid in the a.m.! Should I give it to all of them? Should the sick baby be separated? I figured if it was contagious, they would all be exposed by now.

Another thing I just thought of. I had a bunch of big card board boxes so I made their basement pen from them. I wonder if there is a lack of air circulation?

[Evy]

Originally Posted by golfdiva

Thank you! I kinda wondered about that. I have some Sulmet, but I think it is too old. I will get some Corid in the a.m.! Should I give it to all of them? Should the sick baby be separated? I figured if it was contagious, they would all be exposed by now.

Another thing I just thought of. I had a bunch of big card board boxes so I made their basement pen from them. I wonder if there is a lack of air circulation?

Sulmet is useless at any time. Toss it. If you haven't been feeding medicated chick starter, they're all apt to pick it up from contaminated ground. It's not ''contagious'', in that they spread it to each other, they just don't have the immunity yet to deal with it.

[golfdiva]

Thanks Evy. I remember that you don't have a high opinion of Sulmet! lol! Our feed store guy swears by it! Anyway, fwiw, I poked holes in the card board last night.

This morning she is much better! It took me a few minutes to figure out which chick is the sick one. I hope this means she is around the corner. I still have to go to the feed store this a.m. so I will pick up some Corid anyway.