5 wk old Chicks attacked by dog - 6 barely survived - what can I do to help?

[GreenAcresT]

4 chicks were still in their brooder box, one with torn out feathers. All huddled together and not moving. I found 2 chicks in the yard. Feathers torn out, but no blood. One could barely walk. I have put them all together in a clean tub with food and water and a lamp in a quiet, safe place. But they are all huddled together and barely moving. What else can I do to help them?

 

[scratch'n'peck]

Poor things. They may be in a state of shock after the attack. Shock makes a bird cold and also can slow down their digestive system. Make sure they are drinking. Dip their beaks in the water to see if they will drink on their own. I hope it doesn't take long for them to start eating.

 

[realsis]

they are in shock so to treat for shock you will keep them nice and warm in a quiet dark room. let them rest
once they come out of shock you can check them well for injury. so sorry this happened! I wish you the best. just make sure they are nice and warm! good luck. you might want to offer some sugar water or electrolyte to drink. this will help too.

 

[scratch'n'peck]

I have also read that a bit of sugar in the water can help. We had an adult hen in shock once after a hawk attack and we used a heat lamp for her.

 

[GreenAcresT]

Thank you all so much! I do have them in a nice quiet somewhat dark place with their heat lamp over them. I put fresh water with AC vinegar in it (that's what we've been giving them since we brought them home 4 weeks ago) and some food in there. I've let them rest quietly for the last hour or so and haven't tried to handle them in any way. I just checked on them and they have moved some. They are not all huddled together like they were. 1 is laying down with eyes closed and breathing very heavy. I fear that one will not make it. It was one I rescued from the yard (it was actually in the mouth of the dog - I screamed and she dropped it - it tried to hobble away, but I got it - no open wounds that I could see but it could have internal injuries or something broken).

It's been about 3 hours since the attack. Should I disturb them to try to get them to drink? Or should I leave them alone a while longer. My husband is going to pick up some electrolytes on the way home. If I put sugar in the water, how much? Their waterer holds 1 qt.