4-week-old lethargic, empty crop, distressed, breathing issue

[redblack10]

Snow is a 4-week-old white marans, obtained from My Pet Chicken. Other 5 chicks are fine. I monitor temperature, use probiotics and electrolytes - no meds or vaccines - chick grower crumbles - minced fruit or tomatoes or cheese once a day. Chicks were outside yesterday for a couple of hours, with water and feed, enclosed in open mesh. Her symptoms just appeared tonight: single, loud squawk with a moment of backing up and flailing. Brief head shaking with a thread of clear saliva or a saliva bubble. Eyes are clear - no injuries - she is thin, tonight, with an empty crop. Everything was normal until a couple of hours ago. Her "episode" was very brief, and she has been sleeping, since. She has had about 5 episodes, with a couple of them appearing as though she has something in her throat or is trying to catch her breath. Any thoughts are appreciated. I have lost a few hens over the years, but never a chick.

 

[Saaniya]

Are u with them when they were roaming ? Maybe she eat something wrong . do you have some poultry vitamins ? If yes give 1 drop
How's her poop ?

 

[Eggcessive]

How does her crop feel? Was she eating grass outside? Do you have chick grit available to them when they eat things other than chick feed (such as grass?) I would try to get her drinking water, holding it up to her beak in a little cup. Electrolytes are not usually given all the the time, but only in times of stress. While she is not eating and drinking, though, I would continue them tonight and while she is sick.

 

[Eggcessive]

Sorry, you said her crop was empty. Is she having runny poops or any blood in them? Since coccidiosis is common in chicks I might get some Corid and start some in the water, in case of coccidiosis. It won't harm her or the others.

 

[BullChick]

She can eat grass without grit (not to be confused with oyster shell), but treats do require the chicks to have grit to digest. A lawn usually has tiny stones in the grass for the chickens to digest grass. Anyway!!!
Check out “wry neck” to see if that matches your chick’s symptoms.

 

[redblack10]

Are u with them when they were roaming ? Maybe she eat something wrong . do you have some poultry vitamins ? If yes give 1 drop
How's her poop ?

My six chicks were in about a 2-square-meter part dirt, part short grass area, surrounded by plastic mesh. Thank you for your ideas. I am trying a little vitamin and apple cider vinegar water, but she seems unable to swallow.

 

[redblack10]

Sorry, you said her crop was empty. Is she having runny poops or any blood in them? Since coccidiosis is common in chicks I might get some Corid and start some in the water, in case of coccidiosis. It won't harm her or the others.

I have her in a separate cage, now, and there have been no poops. I think she is pretty empty. I will get some Corid tomorrow. Thank you.

 

[redblack10]

She can eat grass without grit (not to be confused with oyster shell), but treats do require the chicks to have grit to digest. A lawn usually has tiny stones in the grass for the chickens to digest grass. Anyway!!!
Check out “wry neck” to see if that matches your chick’s symptoms.

I thought about Wry Neck, but the symptoms don't quite match. Still, my attempt at getting some vitamin/cider water into her will help that, IF she will swallow.

 

[redblack10]

Snow just had a completely normal, solid poo. I forced a few drops of water, and she is asleep again. I will update in the morning. Thanks for your support - it really helps.

 

[micstrachan]

Poor Snow! The fact that she seems unable to swallow might be a big clue. Can you look inside her beak and see if she has any cheesy lesions? I am hoping others more experienced will chime in before she declines too much. Good luck and please keep us posted.