poorly chick

[chickenfan]

Once of my bantam chicks, now exactly three weeks old, has gone very droopy with fluffed feathers. She doesn't have diarrhea. The others all look fine. The chicks have been kept clean in a dry environment, but the water did spill one day. I have made an appointment with the vet tomorrow morning, but feel she (I think its my only girl) may not last that long. I don't know whether to suspect coccidiosis or something else (the adoptive broody 'mum' was vaccinated when I got her 2 years ago so could perhaps be carrying something).

I got her to drink a few drops Coxoid this morning, but don't know whether something like Tylan (have a supply as I have had a bird in the past with a respiratory infection) would be better? As would be grateful for any thoughts, as she may not last until the vet reoopens. Apologies if I am asking too many questions.

 

[chickenfan]

chick is now breathing very heavily and making a sort of clicking noise as it breathes in.

 

[chrismahon]

Sounds like bronchitis Chickenfan, which they get from their parents. We had one and it died. Turned it upside down and loads of goo came out from the lungs. BUT, that was it four days -the normal point. At three weeks it could just be dusty bedding. Coccidiosis is very bloody poos. You have a respiratory infection I think.

 

[chickenfan]

Thanks so much Chris. I'm so glad to have your response. At least I'll have more idea now if any of the others get poorly.

 

[chickenfan]

You were quite right, Chris. Vet diagnosed respiratory illness, but unfortunately didn't put it to sleep, so the poor thing is still suffering. It is not eating on drinking and I should have the courage to put it out of its misery. I think I push its neck against a door corner?

 

[Marigold]

When I had a surplus of male quails last year I had to cull them as they were fighting and causing bad injury to the females. I evolved this method.
Get a bucket lined with a plastic bag and a pair of garden secateurs. Hold the chick/quail over the bag, with your hand over the back of its wings. Position the secateurs behind the head and over the spine. The secateurs are not to cut the head off but for the blades to give a focused pressure on the spine. I found it was actually hard to do this with just fingers. Extend the neck, twist as you dislocate. There will be some blood, that's what the plastic bag is for. You can the put the body in the bag and wrap it for the bin.
Horrible task and they did flap afterwards, but I think it was as humane as possible for such a small bird.
I would be pleased to hear others opinions on this method, or other ways of dealing with chicks and small birds such as quail. It may be this is not the right way to do it, if so I would like to know of a better method.

 

[chrismahon]

It's always difficult and I can't imagine Marigold giving anything but the most humane of advice Chickenfan. With a respiratory infection why on earth didn't the vet give you a course of Baytril??? Anything is better than prolonging the suffering, as without treatment it will simply suffer and die slowly. I suggest you don't use that vet again. Despatch the poor thing as soon as possible.

 

[chickenfan]

A belated thank you to you both, Marigold and Chris. I did try hard to bring myself to carry out Marigold's method, but couldn't face it. I found a Homeopathic Vet who was happy to do this out of hours. She felt neck dislocation is probably more humane than pts and demonstrated what to do. I've been meaning to thank you both for some time.