3 wk old chick suddenly struggling for air.

[SquishSquash]

PLEASE HELP! MY BABY IS STILL SICK! My chick is down again and appearing to have what I would describe in a human as acid reflux...basically looks like she's trying to keep stuff down. Is it possible that she just has an immature or faulty digestive system? EATING SERIOUSLY MAKES HER WORSE; she was doing so great this morning before she ate, and her crop was empty, *SIGH*. Does the crop empty if the problem is sour crop? Also, she's shedding feather debris? Not full length feathers, but there is a lot of "dust" from various feather parts (sort of like dandruff?). Is that a natural process as they loose their baby fluff, or is this another symptom? I've tried to tie it to other diseases or parasites and don't see mention of it.

 

[Suzierd]

Sorry she isn't getting better, this is why treatment starts out 24 hrs no food, its gradually added in over time. Sounds like normal feather shedding.

 

[casportpony]

How is she now?

-Kathy

 

[SquishSquash]

Her crop is full and she seems to be adjusting it periodically. She has pooped a few times, one more runny than the others. She's somewhat active; willing to move around, not sleeping all the time. I've called a vet to see if I can get more info on medicating her for sour crop; waiting to hear back from them. At least I know she got some energy and nutrition into her last night; hopefully she'll have fight for another day.

 

[casportpony]

It really sounds more like an obstruction than yeast... I say if she's still pooping, let her have the moistened crumbles, but try to get her to drink more.

-Kathy

 

[SquishSquash]

That's kind of what I think, especially considering how these events began. I'm going to give her more of the fiber too. As for the food, I was just happy to see her willingness to eat; and she chose the crumbles over anything else. Maybe the vet will have some insight...it's a different vet this time. If she makes it through this, Cherry is going to be renamed something like Hope or Flourish! Thank you all for sticking with me!

 

[Suzierd]

Hope the vet can help, were all pulling for her.

 

[casportpony]

How is she today?

-Kathy

 

[SquishSquash]

I think I have a healthy baby chick! I'm so excited! Thanks to everyone for their help, somehow... something worked! And, I sure learned a lot in the process. Now one last question: Is it o.k. for me to put the chick back under momma bird tonight, or will she be rejected? Could I even take her out today and keep a close watch on her for a little while? Thoughts?

 

[Suzierd]

So glad to hear she's better!