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chick won't eat?

post #1 of 5
4/5/12 at 12:35pm
Thread Starter 

I have a chick that hatched a few days ago. It was starting to really cry yesterday and I picked it up, it is very skinny. I started watching it all day yesterday and it didn't go eat or drink. I dip it's beak and it will drink but not initiate itself. I tried other things and couldn't get it to eat. I scrambled some eggs last night and have done 3 feedings. I have to open the beak and then the chick will swallow if I put some in it's mouth but still won't go get any food. This chick seems to be missing the essential instinct they need to eat? I was wondering if anyone had success with one of these chicks?


Edited by klf73 - 4/5/12 at 6:38pm

Krista- mom to 7 with an amazingly understanding husband   . chocolate runners, b/b/s orps, jubilee orps, bantam chocolate orps, project lf choc orps, blue breda fowl and a some cool exotic hens for eating eggs

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Krista- mom to 7 with an amazingly understanding husband   . chocolate runners, b/b/s orps, jubilee orps, bantam chocolate orps, project lf choc orps, blue breda fowl and a some cool exotic hens for eating eggs

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post #2 of 5
4/6/12 at 6:06pm

How long ago did she hatch?  I sure hope things go better for her real soon.  I am by no means an expert but I think there is hope.  My first batch of newly hatched chicks are now 5 days old and they did not eat or drink on their own for fully 3 days.  I was beside myself with worry and dipped their beaks into both food and water many times a day - DH took over while I was at work. About day 3.5 one caught on, then another and the third chick was about 10 hours behind the first two but eventually caught on and they all keep their crops very full now. 

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post #3 of 5
4/6/12 at 6:18pm

Have you tried sprinkling a little food onto a paper towel and pecking and scratching at it with your finger?  Sometimes, they need to be shown :)

 

All things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small, and all things wise and wonderful, the Lord God Made them all
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All things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small, and all things wise and wonderful, the Lord God Made them all
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post #4 of 5
4/6/12 at 7:12pm
Thread Starter 

yes, there is light at the end of the tunnel I hope. It was crying for me today and stands next to the other chicks at the feeder, just won't eat. When I put it on the paper towel we use for feeding it was trying to peck, rather jerkily and not successfully but at least it's progress. It's hatch mates are getting much bigger, I will try more regular feedings over the weekend since I am home more....

Krista- mom to 7 with an amazingly understanding husband   . chocolate runners, b/b/s orps, jubilee orps, bantam chocolate orps, project lf choc orps, blue breda fowl and a some cool exotic hens for eating eggs

Reply

Krista- mom to 7 with an amazingly understanding husband   . chocolate runners, b/b/s orps, jubilee orps, bantam chocolate orps, project lf choc orps, blue breda fowl and a some cool exotic hens for eating eggs

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post #5 of 5
4/6/12 at 7:24pm

I read somewhere recently that they first eat whatever is at their feet.  Maybe you could try scattering a little feed on the paper towels, or maybe the other chicks have already done that for you? :)

 

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