5 week old maran not eating feed

[brenda84]

I'm new to raising chicks and I have 5 marans that are 5 weeks old. Four are doing great, but I have one who decided a week ago she no longer wants to eat her starter feed. She will scarf down scrambled eggs or oats, just not the chick feed. She also won't drink on her own, so I've been giving her water with an eye dropper. She was the same size as the others for a while, then it seemed like she suddenly stopped growing as fast and is now half their size. Her crop is never full and I am at a loss as to what could be wrong. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

 

[WooingWyandotte]

Is she acting abnormal? Such as puffed up, eyes closed, sitting in a corner, upright stance? Do you know what her poop looks like?

 

[WooingWyandotte]

And, this is in the wrong section. It'll probably get moved by a mod.


Try this link and remember for next time: https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/10/emergencies-diseases-injuries-and-cures

 

[brenda84]

She stands a lot and chirps constantly. She falls asleep standing and seems reluctant to lie down. Her eyes are open and alert and she doesn't seem to be puffed up. Her poop is normal, just a really small amount.

 

[brenda84]

Oh thanks, I'm new to forums as well!

 

[WooingWyandotte]

She stands a lot and chirps constantly. She falls asleep standing and seems reluctant to lie down. Her eyes are open and alert and she doesn't seem to be puffed up. Her poop is normal, just a really small amount.

Its hard to tell. How long has she seemed "weird" to you? And when she seemed weird, did you immediately try giving her the oats and scrambled eggs you mentioned in your post?

Oh thanks, I'm new to forums as well!

No problem!

 

[brenda84]

She's been weird for about a week. I watched her for hours and noticed she wasn't eating. She'd look at the food and walk away chirping loudly. I put few oats in my hand and she ate those, put some feed in my hand and nothing. Since then I've been giving her eggs and oats and trying to sneak in feed with it just to make sure she's eating something. But I know its not enough and can't figure out why she won't eat what she's supposed to.

 

[WooingWyandotte]

She's been weird for about a week. I watched her for hours and noticed she wasn't eating. She'd look at the food and walk away chirping loudly. I put few oats in my hand and she ate those, put some feed in my hand and nothing. Since then I've been giving her eggs and oats and trying to sneak in feed with it just to make sure she's eating something. But I know its not enough and can't figure out why she won't eat what she's supposed to.

Well I don't know what to say. As long as she eats something (scrambled eggs are healthy for chickens) and you can at least dip her beak in water a few times an hour, you could just see what happens.

Also, a little trick with their water is to put some Apple Cider Vinegar in it. Make sure its raw and not processed, if you end up buying some. ACV is extremely healthy and can be a real good pick-me-up for humans also.

 

[brenda84]

I will definitely try those things. Thanks for the advice!

 

[WooingWyandotte]

I will definitely try those things. Thanks for the advice!

No problem.