can't breathe or can't poop *UPDATED* she died

[Ellie]

One of my little chicks (3 days old) keeps opening her mouth and in a rythmic way, looks like she is having trouble breathing or pooping. I cleaned her little butt at 2am and she promptly pooped.

She is still doing it though. I made her drink water... she just sits there with this open/close open/close the beak.

What else can I do for her?

UPDATE: Thanks for the help. She died the second day I had her. Her little rear was clear but her umbilical cord was strange. She just could not do it. I felt bad but at least she was only a few days old. I separated her and held her and loved her...

Thanks,
Ellie

 

[arlee453]

Definately keep cleaning her bottom. They can get poop stuck on so much that they can't poop any more and that can kill them...

www.mypetchicken.com has a great free booklet you can download for chick care.

Here's a direct link to the page on chick care. It talks all about keeping them warm, pasting up and other common problems too.

http://www.mypetchicken.com/ebook.aspx?Chapter=4

Susan

 

[Newchickenmom&kids]

It isn't TOO Warm is it?? Chickens will do this when hot...I assumer chicks would too!

 

[Ellie]

Thanks, I will keep cleaning. I clean it until I can see it working and clear. It seems to be clear of anything. She did have a little line of goo coming out and I took it off and cleaned a little more.

I don't think it is too hot. It is 80.8 in there right now and they are spread out and having fun eating and playing...all except for her.

Thanks again,
Ellie