1 week old Broiler chicks laying down, not eating or drinking

[New Beginnings]

I have two 1 week old Broiler chicks that are laying down, not eating, not drinking and they seem week and intoxicated. I bought them at a local feed store. We have 18 birds in all bought at different times and 4 breeds. The day we bought them we bought 7 Broilers. They are the only 2 that are having problems. It is currently 8pm and I've been gone since 1pm but they were fine when I left home. They are not reacting much to noise or activity.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated?

Thank you!

 

[Folly's place]

Sorry that they're not doing well. Every chick isn't going to live, and broiler chicks have more problems than most. Mary

 

[TRMFAM]

We just got our chicks today and having similiar issues with one of the babies...here is what we have tried:

Verified temperature in coop (I actually have 3 thermometers in there at different places and it ranges from 96* to 87* and they all seem to move around the entire coop and duck back under the heat for 10 mins or so.

Checked the vent to validate pasty butt is not a factor.

Provided Nutri-Drench via plastic syringe - hopefully someone will chime in with how to make sure they do not get it in their lungs.

Gently dunked beak in water.

I can't think of anything else I have heard to try...consider separating out the sick little girl as i cannot determine if she has had a bowel movement. Would be easier in her own box.

 

[New Beginnings]

Thank you for responding!

We have separated the 2 chicks that are sick. Reduced the heat temp. We have also been gently helping it to drink water but no luck getting it to eat. No pasty butt and they have only been outside once for about 15 mins. One chick is doing better today but still slightly week so I will continue keeping it separated. The other chick started doing better today but this evening it is doing bad again. It can't seem to keep it's balance, keeps its eyes closed almost always, its head keeps laying backwards on it's back and always lays down on side or sits with feet spread out. Once it falls over it can't seem to get it's balance to get back up again.

I really wish more people would comment with helpful tips. I will be so sad if we lose her.

 

[New Beginnings]

Someone please respond and help my chicks...I would be forever grateful

 

[enola]

The only thing I can suggest is trying treating them with Corid. It sounds vaguely like coccidiosis to me.

 

[momofaflock]

I am having the same problem with one of my lavender orpingtons that came from Meyer hatchery on tues. was lethargic last night, perked up a bit this morning, and is doing terrible tonight. I've tried nutri drench and save a chic(dipping beak), but won't really wake up other that opening her eyes for a second then weebling, and laying back down to sleep. She hasn't ate since this morning either. I'm also a mess worrying about her and what to do.

 

[rides2far]

It sounds like you've done all you could. I had 6 chicks out of 20 die due to 5 days in transit. All were weak & lethargic. I tried save a chick, probiotics, yogurt, etc. they were just too weak. I hope you have a better outcome.

 

[momofaflock]

I just lost her

I'm so heartbroken, even though I only had her a short time

 

[horsechickie]

Hi I felt bad for you so I am replying, please don't feel bad. as much as we humans try and learn, mother nature is always in charge, and she just doesn't let them all live. i feel so bad, 5 days ago i took two chicks from the farm because they had hatched alone--- one just died and the other is thriving and growing exponentially- the one that i took wet out of the shell is thriving, the one that was runnig around alone, i took home too but he just died, both I had under the same conditions, same level of heat, same food--- the one that died just never had as bright of eyes, he had them half closed al ot and didn't eat as much, this orning he was still alive then three hours later, laying down and then died when i handled him. i think some are born weaker than others and we humans think we are in control of everything