6 day old chick- labored breathing

[hollyk]

I recieved 25 EE's last week. They are 6 days old and doing great, except one I found this morning. She was sleeping away from the rest of the bunch near the water. When she breathes her whole body move up and down and she opens her mouth. I have been giving her water by syringe, have isolated her, and got her under a heat source. She is better than this morning. She still has fight and has let my know that she does not appreciate my help. I searched previous posts and found suggestion for sugar water and will give her that. I want to save her, but more importantly, I don't want the rest to get sick. What would you suggest?

 

[basicliving]

I'm sorry you've got a sick baby. I would separate her. When mine were that small, I set up a little chick intensive care unit - which was nothing more than a small box with a heat lamp so I could separate, care for, and watch any that acted under the weather.

Be sure to check her vent for pasty butt. I would continue hand feeding her sugar water every few hours. Something like an eye dropper works great for that - but a straw with your finger over one end will do as well. Just be careful not to give too much at a time and drown her. Make sure she's warm and has food/water available.

I have no idea what could be wrong with her. I lost 4 of my original 27 chicks within the first 5 days of their lives. They just didn't thrive and didn't make it. I had a few others that started acting puny, but I separated them and cared for them and they did just fine. It's just hard to know at that young age. Maybe someone else will have some other ideas?

Best of luck,
Penny

 

[hollyk]

Penny,
Thanks for your response. We nursed her all day and did what you said. She just did not get any better and seemed to be suffering. My sweet hubby culled her for me. Thankfully everyone else is doing great and showing no signs of sickness. As a matter of fact, at one week they are flying up and landing on top of the water and feeder. Thanks again

 

[basicliving]

I am so sorry

ETA: Bless your husband for taking care of it for you. I know it wasn't easy.

It really is not very unusual to lose one or two when that are that young. I know that doesn't make you feel any better, but know that you did all you could and it's not your fault. I cried with each of the little chicks I lost.

I'm so happy the rest are doing so well! They are really a barrell of fun to watch, aren't they? My husband made a little 2 step roost for ours out of small branches and it didn't take them long to start making it to the top roost. It was only a few inches off the ground, but they just loved playing on it.

Enjoy your babies!

Take care,
Penny