URGENT - Rooster going downhill fast!

RossAcres

Breeding to the APA and ABA Standard
Feb 22, 2024
592
1,277
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Tennessee
URGENT
Rooster is lethargic and going through water at an alarming rate.
Please read the OG post before this.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/sinus-infection-coryza.1642420/
I have been giving my rooster 0.5cc Tylan 50, injected. I switched to "All-in-One" powder since he was improving and I ran out of needles. I decided I didn't like how the powder wouldn't mix so after a day, I switched back to Tylan50, but .75cc injected this time. I also added Nutridrench to his water since he is constantly drinking. The hen is acting normally and swelling has disappeared. BUT the rooster is doing worse now.

Rooster's Current Visible Symptoms
  • Bright red comb, but PALE pink wattles
  • Wattles are still swollen
  • Drinking 3-4x as much water than usual.
  • He literally stands by the water and continuously, yet slowly, drinks it all until it's gone. His chest is completely drenched.
  • Feces are dark, runny, and smelly. Not to be funny, but he's passing gas audibly from his vent. I've never heard a chicken fart.
  • He's lethargic. Barely puts up a fight when I pick him up. Tail is down, neck tucked in.
PLEASE, let me know your thoughts. I will try anything I can. I've never had a bird this sick before and I've had birds for over 10 years.
 
IMG_0660.jpeg

This is the only picture I have right now. This is his quarantine cage, not his permanent cage. Anyway, look at the color of his comb, then compare it to his wattles. Big difference. Normally it isn’t two different shades when they’re sick. Also notice the swelling in the wattles. Still hasn’t gone down.
 
Update:
He has mites. I checked him again this morning and I noticed four or five little black dots. This is new, so I treated him with a few drops of ivermectin pour on. That would explain the excessive water intake and pale wattles. Having mites during an illness can make the illness worse.
 
I have posted on the previous thread. It is possible that it could be a crop problem and fowl cholera with the swollen wattles. I would probably treat with sulfa antibiotics. Try to get in touch with a vet or a farm vet.
Finally had a moment to read up on fowl cholera. I do agree that this may be cholera. I will continue to treat for cholera and the mites. Hopefully there aren't any reactions with the two drugs.
 
I don’t know what else I can do for him.

I just got back from the show today. He’s lost weight and is much weaker than before. He’s starting to jerk his head around. Seems neurological. I’ve given him his meds for tonight. I made his feed into a complete liquid. I took crumble and water with nutrient and mixed it. It’s a watery liquid this time instead of just a wet mash. He’s consuming it, since it’s a water consistency. I’m really hoping this helps him get some energy back.
 
Sad Update

He passed away overnight. I tried everything to save him. When I got home, I noticed he was starting to turn a darker red. I picked him up and held him because I knew he didn't have much time left. He passed away soon after.
I desperately need to get him necropsied but I can't afford it right now. My hen is sick now too again. I'm scared I'm going to lose her too. I don't want to lose my whole flock, even though I've kept the two groups seperate by 10 miles. I have his body in the freezer for now. Just need to figure out how I can pay for a necropsy.
 
So sorry for your loss. It would really be good if you could call your state vet and get a necropsy on him. We see people here a lot who are dealing with illnesses, and willing to buy medications, but who won’t get a necropsy. It can really save you money in the long run. I would close your flock. Birds should not leave your flock or attend shows.
 

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