6 day old peachick is not eating what can I do?

[Piggy87]

We hatched two chicks 6 days ago. One chick died after 48 hours, and I'm worried the second little guy isn't going to make it either. The first issue we encountered was splayed legs, but we were able to correct this. Starting around day 4 we noticed the surviving peachick wasn't very active. He is very lethargic, and it's all he can do just to get up and drink water on his own. Poor little guy just lays there almost motionless. We tried to force feed him some egg yoke, but he didn't care for that. The only thing we can get down is morsels of bread soaked in water. Day 5 we started giving him electrolytes, and this seemed to help some, but he's still not eating on his own. I have noticed him get up more frequently, and drink more water, but it's not a major improvement. He has passed bowel movements, so I don't think it's an intestinal issue. He still seems so weak, and I don't know what to do to help him. Does anyone have any suggestions??

 

[KsKingBee]

Check his navel and see if it is protruding. The number one cause of death in the first week is navel infection. When the humidity is not just right the cord will not dry and break off and the struggling chick trying to get away from the shell will pull some of the internals out and infection pursues.

 

[Argus]

Peachicks don't just start eating on their own. They have to learn how, from mom, older chicks, or if they are alone then from you.

Don't feed them junk, get crumbles with as high protein content as the store carries. At this point it doesn't matter if medicated or not.

Lick the tip of your finger and put into the crumbles so they stick. Wiggle in front of the chick so it pecks them off your finger. Repeat until you or the chick get tired.

Keep moving your finger closer to the bowl in subsequent feedings to show him where the crumbles are kept. Some pick it up faster than others. Add some water to the bowl to make it mushy, they usually like that better.

 

[KsKingBee]

Hard-boiled eggs are a favorite too.

 

[Piggy87]

Check his navel and see if it is protruding. The number one cause of death in the first week is navel infection. When the humidity is not just right the cord will not dry and break off and the struggling chick trying to get away from the shell will pull some of the internals out and infection pursues.

The naval looks normal, and no sign of infection.

 

[Piggy87]

Peachicks don't just start eating on their own. They have to learn how, from mom, older chicks, or if they are alone then from you.

Don't feed them junk, get crumbles with as high protein content as the store carries. At this point it doesn't matter if medicated or not.

Lick the tip of your finger and put into the crumbles so they stick. Wiggle in front of the chick so it pecks them off your finger. Repeat until you or the chick get tired.

Keep moving your finger closer to the bowl in subsequent feedings to show him where the crumbles are kept. Some pick it up faster than others. Add some water to the bowl to make it mushy, they usually like that better.

We have him paired with an older peachick, but he doesn't seem interested in food at all. When we tried to hand feed him he is non responsive.

 

[casportpony]

Welcome to BYC! Did your peachick live?