Help. Unwell chicken.

[Anarchy84]

Hi. One of my chickens is ill. She is lethargic and keeps falling over. Her tail is wonky and she's covered in her own pooh. Think maybe has been bitten by a rat but I cant seem to find a bite mark anywhere. Been advised to try Amoxiccilin but what dose would I give her.

[Nicos]

Out of interest...when was she last wormed...and what with?

Oh ...and welcome to the Vine

[Nicos]

Oh...and you should really be asking a Vet about that as we are not qualified to diagnose on here!

We can only suggest, but that is all it is...suggestions.

[Anarchy84]

They were wormed about a month ago before I bought them. I have just been informed one of the others is looking ill.
I understand its only advice but vet bills would not be an option for a £4.50 bird. I have her in quarantine and shall go get the other one. I have used 125mg in 1 litre of water. Too much? Not enough?
Oh and thanks for the welcome.

[Nicos]

Sorry- although I keep chooks I wouldn't give them antibiotics unless I knew for sure if they actually need them.
It may be something simple like the worming wasn't done properly....or something really serious.
Why not contact the person you got them from for advice? or ask a vet for advice over the phone...some vets are happy to advise.

[bearded bloke]

Feel her crop,is it hard or squidgy ?

[Anarchy84]

Bearded bloke. Its hard to tell. She is a white star and doesn't really have a prominent crop. Think its got a lump in though.
Nicos. The person I bought them from suggested the rat bite theory but I can't seem to find a bite mark or blood.

[Nicos]

Where abouts are you Anarchy?....if you can pop your rough location in your profile, someone on here who has chooks may live near you ,and can suggest someone who might be able to look her over for you.
Just a thought....

[Anarchy84]

I'm in Barnsley. South Yorkshire

[Scarlet]

The person I bought them from suggested the rat bite theory but I can't seem to find a bite mark or blood.

If there isn't any blood or you can't find a bite mark it's doubtful that a rat has bitten it. I've kept chickens for nearly 15 years and I've never heard of a rat biting a chicken. I wouldn't give a chicken antibiotics without first knowing what you are dealing with.
If there is possibly two birds that are having similar problems it would point to something else. You need to feel the crop it be sure.
If the bird is covered in poo it may be wise to get her bathed and cleaned up.
As Nicos has said when were they wormed exactly and what with?
How old are they and how long have you had them? £4.50 seems alarmingly cheap for a bird that has just been wormed.
If you have only had them a month, you could take them back to your supplier and ask them what the problem is.

[bearded bloke]

PoL near me average at £13.00 a bird (vaccinated & wormed)

[Anarchy84]

Thanks everyone but sadly I had to put down 2 chooks this morning. I found out what was wrong. The breeder I bought them from lied about the age of them. They were only 15 weeks and the bigger chickens bullied them. I managed to save the 3rd one and shes happy with the hens her own age and has come round now she managed to get some of the food.