Faithmead
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What's wrong with my cockerel?I've a lovely Cream leg bar boy who is now about 9 months old. Has always been in good health and very active, but about a week ago he started to look a bit listless and his comb went floppy. He's since lost most of his weight as he doesn't seem interested in food! He wanders around during the day but so sign of treading any hens. Roosts at night, has a clean backend, no runny eyes - no signs whatsoever. I have isolated him. I feel he's just going to starve himself to death. Any suggests? Many thanks.
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judith
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Could it be red mites? Perhaps give your henhouse a good checking over - particularly at the ends of the perches or where two pieces of wood come into contact.
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Jonnyboy
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If it is red mites then completely clean out the house and use a treetment for them. I also grease the ends of the perches with vaseline.
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Faithmead
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Am off to do a bit red mite inspection.....Will let you know. Thanks,
M.
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marigold
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Hope he's OK Faithmead.
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Faithmead
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Thanks Marigold.
Well, there was signs of red mite on him  , so I have him a dust bath in Diatrom last night and he did eat a little this morning, so that's a good sign.  Am now going to spray the inside of the houses with liquid 'stuff' ...that I can't remember the name of......and then will dust all the other birds this evening, once they're all roosting.
Thanks all for your help - will let you know the outcome 
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judith
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Good luck. He will probably perk up very quickly once you have the mites under control.
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Faithmead
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| judith wrote: | | Good luck. He will probably perk up very quickly once you have the mites under control. |
I'm hoping so Judith; he's a nice bird and is the a good 'worker'.
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Faithmead
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Laurence (Legbar) pecking at some mixed corn this evening  Very wobly on his pins but that's no doubt due to the previous week of not eating and having no weight to speak of  . So, keeping everything crossed......Will keep you updated. 
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judith
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That sounds very positive. Well done.
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marigold
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Good news . Hope he makes a quick recovery now you've got rid of the mites.
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Faithmead
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I can't believe I didn't even THINK of it being Redmite. Since moving (6 weeks ago), it had not even crossed my mind to dust hens and spray houses.....and yet I used to do it religiously at the old place. You live and learn 
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