Sick Young Peacock. HELP NEEDED.

luvaduck112 · **Posted:** Sat Jun 02, 2012 9:31 pm

Well, I have my first sick peacock. Three days ago we noticed one of my hand raised seven month old males was "quiet". I hand raised two males and a hen and kept them inside our conservatory until they were 6 months old, so they have been out in with my four adults for over six weeks now. They adjusted to their new companions and surroundings really well.

When we noticed the "quiet" male we brought him inside again. Husband thought it was a worming problem so he was wormed and treated with Baytril injections (the peacock - not my husband). He has been on a heating pad as it has been cold here in the highlands and I have been feeding him duck egg yolks and turkey starter (which he was reared on then went to grain when he went into the outside pen). Yesterday he ate two yolks and brightened up a bit. Late this afternoon he has quietened down again. Tonight he doesn't seem interested in eating. My husband says he is trying to die (my peacock - not my husband) (he's a vet but hasn't had anything to do wth peacocks).

I know this is a prime time to lose young peacocks but I know that you guys know what you're doing, so firstly I'm afraid I may not be feeding him properly and giving him too many yolks. is there something I should be doing/feeding/treating him? he doesn't have bad diarrhoea, just half formed. He is thin though. Please help. I'd be grateful for your advice (asap). Thanks.

Sebducks · **Joined:** Wed Mar 11, 2009 3:41 pm **Posts:** 812

I have absolutely no experience when it comes to peacocks so can only offer my support and hope that he comes through for you. Could you get some broad spectrum antibiotics into him or a multivitamin dose? You've wormed so thats ruled out. Could he possibly have eaten something toxic? I have a friend who has peacocks and hers eat a certain fruit that has fallen and fermented thus giving them the look of being drunk, it seems to take a couple of days to wear off.

But you said he is thin, I wonder if he has been bullied without your knowledge and become weak? You could try half a berocca tablet in his water if he will still drink, sometimes its the multi that they need.

Good luck and I have my fingers crossed someone with peacock knowledge will soon help you better.

luvaduck112 · **Posted:** Sat Jun 02, 2012 11:23 pm

Thanks so much Sebducks. Haven't got any Berocca on hand but it's a good thought - will give that a shot tomorrow. Would be very surprised if he was bullied. Can't think of anything that he could have eaten but will check the peacock enclosure also. It just breaks my heart, he is just such a lovely boy. Thanks for your kind thoughts and wishes. Will keep you informed.

parvo · **Joined:** Sat Jan 02, 2010 7:39 pm **Posts:** 735

This could be anything but Blackhead- histomoniasis- would be very high on the list.
Treatment would be with either dimetridazole ( emtryl), ronidazole ( ronivet, turbosole) or metronidazole ( flagyl- at 50 mg/kg once daily for 3-5 days). Your husband should have flagyl on hand or write you a script for the chemist!

Did you worm him direct to beak or in the water ( peacock, not husband :lol:

)? If in the water then I would repeat it and give him direct to beak.

If he has any diarrhoea it may be worth encouraging your husband to do a faecal float and check for worms and coccidia- in fact, it would be worth doing anyway.

Sebducks, Baytril is a broad spectrum antibiotic so that side of things is covered.

Good luck

Sebducks · **Joined:** Wed Mar 11, 2009 3:41 pm **Posts:** 812

yes that registered on me after I'd posted. Was very late.

Another thought, what does his breathing sound like?

parvo · **Joined:** Sat Jan 02, 2010 7:39 pm **Posts:** 735

At that time Sebducks I'm struggling to find the keys so no criticism from me!! :lol:

Good question re the breathing too.

luvaduck112 · **Posted:** Sun Jun 03, 2012 3:14 pm

It never rains but it pours! Some low life pinched my young hand-reared alpaca last night, so I have spent the morning running around in circles.

My lovely young boy is still with us, I was worried last night tat he was about to check out. Today he is still quiet but a little more lively, still won't eat, is drinking water and moochy.

The wormer was given via beak, so he had full dose.
Hubby says "definitely not black head".
Found a little piece a styrafoam swimming pool straw in their pen, he could have pecked at that but it should have "gone through by now, right?? It appears to have blown in during the recent wind storm here.
Will do worm float when he has his microscope again but he saysnot much will show up after the worm meds.

Is there something else I can feed him and my biggest concern is am I feeding him too many egg yolks even though he isn't eating them now.

His breathing is fine, no rattles or squeaks.

Everyone tells me that the adolescents are vulnerable at this age but what kills them? My poultry guy mentioned that all his peacocks were dying but as mine wasn't sick I didn't ask why - stupid me. thanks for your help guys, this is the first time I have had/bred peacocks pets only) and thought I had done so well with the help I get from this wonderful forum. Haven't given up yet though.

parvo · **Joined:** Sat Jan 02, 2010 7:39 pm **Posts:** 735

How does your hubby know it is definitely not blackhead?
You can only really diagnose it at post mortem.

luvaduck112 · **Posted:** Mon Jun 04, 2012 10:06 am

Thanks parvo, not really sure, he only said if it was black head he would have been dead days ago, or a lot worse. We have Emtryl in his water anyway. Today he is the same, can only describe him as depressed looking until someone comes near him and then he perks up and is interested. Still not eating.

parvo · **Joined:** Sat Jan 02, 2010 7:39 pm **Posts:** 735

Hmmm. Not really sure what to suggest next.
Perhaps a faecal exam may give you more clues. Try looking for budding yeasts or fungal hyphae, amongst the othet things you look at.

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