5 day old chick trouble breathing; won't drink

[Soccerchicken]

Hello

My five day old Jersey Giant chick keeps opening her mouth like she's yawning with every breath. She has no discharge and isn't making any noises. She keeps trying to sleep but whenever her head is lower than her body she jerks it up and flips out; I think she can't breathe when it's like that. I have her separated from the other chicks with a towel propping her head up. When I picked her up she was very limp. She seems stable now but she hasn't eaten or drank anything in over an hour. What do I do? Do I risk stressing an already very weak chick to give her some fluids? Any help is appreciated.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Hello

My five day old Jersey Giant chick keeps opening her mouth like she's yawning with every breath. She has no discharge and isn't making any noises. She keeps trying to sleep but whenever her head is lower than her body she jerks it up and flips out; I think she can't breathe when it's like that. I have her separated from the other chicks with a towel propping her head up. When I picked her up she was very limp. She seems stable now but she hasn't eaten or drank anything in over an hour. What do I do? Do I risk stressing an already very weak chick to give her some fluids? Any help is appreciated.

How is she doing?

Can you post a video of her actions or some photos of your brooder set-up and your sweet chick?
Has she had anything other than chick starter to eat - if so have you provided chick grit free choice?

Carefully look inside her beak to see if there is anything stuck blocking her airways (bedding, food, etc.). Chicks gasping for breath could be suffering from respiratory illness or brooder pneumonia - check to see if there are any wet areas in the brooder where water may have spilled and it's moldy.

Check to make sure she is not overheating and has enough ventilation in the brooder.