2 1/2 week old silkie mix chicks won't eat.. Help?

AshleyBickle

In the Brooder
7 Years
Aug 14, 2012
80
1
41
Traverse City, MI
I got two new chicks 4 days ago. They are silkie mix chicks, I don't know exactly how old they are but they are somewhere between 2-3 weeks old. They still are as small as week old chicks but are starting to feather out on their wings. I assumed their small size is from being silkie mix but I'm having a major issue. I haven't seen either chick eat since I got them home. For the first 48 hours they stayed huddled together in the corner of their brooding box. I kept checking the temp of their heat lamp wondering if it was too hot or too cold but it seamed to be at a good temp. So I let them be for one more day, I've tried getting their food wet so it's softer thinking maybe the size of the chick feed was to large since the chicks are still so small. I've tried scooping them up and sticking their beaks into their food and water.. I got them to drink water but not eat. It's day 4 today and I'm starting to worry they may die! I need help! Nothing is working! :(
 
I would treat for cocci immediately!!! Corid is the way to go. Get it at your feed store or Farm store imediaately. Put it in the water. Chicks like dry food better than wet food.
 
Sulmet or Sulfadimethoxine can also be used but Corid is safer. Just get whatever you can, They need something. How soon can you get to the store?
 
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I have found if there is any Silkie in them, well they have just a little "stoopid" in them, too.
(Silkie lovers, don't be angry. I have many of them, too)
Especially if they are just the only two chicks.
You must take your finger, like mamas beak, and peck at the food. Also make yummy noises.
They may already be too weak, but it's worth a shot.
Also, I have heard that different brands of feed is different sizes. If they are very small, you may need to grind it finer.
Good luck!
 
I've had several silkie cross chicks they are dull I had to get them an adopted mum so they would learn wat to do
 
They are between 2-3 week old. I had to work all day today so wasn't able to stop at tractor supply and get it to my chicks until I got home from work. I picked up corid. Tried dipping their beeks into the water to make them drink it but all they did was scream about it. It was late when I arrived home and those tiny chicks were waking up my whole house hold. So I left the medicated water in hopes they will drink it on their own over night and I'll have a chance in the morning to work with them and they can scream all they want. After suggesting they have cocci, I looked up symtems and they sure are showing all the symptoms instead of bloody stool. I hope this stuff helps, the last thing I want is for them to die. Thanks everyone for the help!
 
Well you were right! My two silkie mix chicks definitely have cocci! I let them be last night in hopes they would drink the medicated water by them selves... But this morning i got an eye dropper out and made them drink the water. I noticed last night that one chick was a little more weak than the other and after doing the water feed with a dropper that is for sure the case. I may be too late!
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I brought their brooder box into my room so i can keep a better eye on their progress and the smaller weaker chick has gone limp this morning. The other stronger chick keeps trying to huddle into her and she's not moving! Its the saddest thing to watch! Ill be surprised if i have two chicks by tomorrow morning but i'm going to keep my hopes up. Ill keep you posted as the day goes on but it looks like it going to be a long one!



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