4 week old chicken, alive, but just lying there, the other 12 are okay

[ace6175]

Does anyone have any suggestions? I put her in a separate box with the lamp on her, but I'm afraid this might spread to the rest of the chicks. She was fine before this, no signs of illness or injury. I hope she can be saved. This is my first experience with chickens.
Thanks

 

[minna]

Did you try any vitamins and electrolytes or syringe watering? Is it possible she may be dehydrated? I hope that's all it is and that it is nothing major.

 

[MoodyChicken]

Heat stress, shock, starvation, poison? Rather vague description, sorry! I hope you can save the little bugger! Check for mites/lice and worms, and also check for any venomous spiders/snakes. Check for any toxic plants she may have gotten into, and any other off clues.

 

[ace6175]

She's still alive, but just lying there - I will try giving her some water. All the chicks are still in the house, and eating only the food from the feed store. Am using shredded newspaper for bedding.
How warm do they need to be at 28 days? I thought 80 degrees - maybe that's too cold?

 

[MoodyChicken]

If it was a cold temperature problem all your chicks would be down right now. At 4 months of age they're pretty much good to go as long as there's not cold snap in the weather. My guess is poisoning, but I'm seriously just guessing.

 

[ace6175]

They are only 4 weeks old, haven't been out of the house. don't know what she could possibly have ingested that is poison.
I managed to get a little water in her beak with an eyedropper, and she drank it.
I'm so sad - don't think she'll make it.

 

[MoodyChicken]

Woops, missread that. Either way at a month of age they should still be ok with the cold. Do you have any poisonous plants near their brooder? Mix whole milk, sugar, and electrolytes. Force her to drink a good lot (enough that you can feel it in her crop). That will flush her system, give her energy, and help if it's poisoning.

 

[ace6175]

thanks, how do I feel her crop?

 

[ace6175]

Amazingly enough my chicken made it through the night, and is a little better!!!

She is standing, still not eating or drinking by herself, but at least she can stand!
Thanks for everyone's help!
Do you think instant oatmeal is ok for 4 week old chicks to eat?

 

[annek]

Personally I wouldn't do instant oatmeal, you are talking about the ones in the individual packets right. Don't these normally have extra garbage thrown in. I would just do regular quick cook oatmeal if you have it. Don't think instant oatmeal is all that good for people either.