6 week old chick suddenly very weak

[Arbutus Peregrine]

My chicks will be 6 weeks old tomorrow—Monday. The last two days we have had heat suddenly after more like 60 degree days. It was 86 yesterday... pretty dry and a slight breeze. My chicks all seem really healthy and happy. They have lots to do and have a big space. Yesterday afternoon, one of my pullets was less energetic. She was still walking around, eating and drinking, but she was taking more frequent naps than the others. It was noticeable. I kept an eye on her and thought maybe it was just a reaction to the sudden heat. This morning when I went out at 6am, she was the only one not getting up. She was so lethargic and couldn’t really lift her head. I’m at work all day today and no one was home, so I took her to my emergency vet— I didn’t know what to do. I’m on my lunch break now and called the vet for an update. She has not improved. They gave her fluids, took an x-ray and are keeping her warm... can’t remember if they gave her antibiotics... but she has not improved at all. I’m so surprised she is still alive. Does anyone have any idea what could be wrong? She’s the only one who got sick and hoping it stays that way. All the chicks were vaccinated for Mareks before I got them and I’ve had them since they were 2 days old. Thanks for any and all advice!! I’m really hoping she pulls through.

 

[viennaproto]

I am so sorry this is happening to you- you sound like an amazing chick momma! I am not exactly sure what is wrong with the little one, but have you tried administering any vitamins or electrolytes. I had a sick duckling a couple years ago and I was able to help him by using save-a-chick poultry vitamins and letting her drink it off a teaspoon so I knew she was actually getting it. Keep us updated!

 

[Arbutus Peregrine]

I am so sorry this is happening to you- you sound like an amazing chick momma! I am not exactly sure what is wrong with the little one, but have you tried administering any vitamins or electrolytes. I had a sick duckling a couple years ago and I was able to help him by using save-a-chick poultry vitamins and letting her drink it off a teaspoon so I knew she was actually getting it. Keep us updated!

Thanks so much! I’ll bring some by tonight. I do have some of that at home. She wasn’t drinking this morning even when I dipped her beak in water hopefully soon!!!

 

[Arbutus Peregrine]

I just wanted to report that my chick seems to have pulled through! A happy ending! She did get fluids administered a few times at the vet and that seems to have been what she needed. Still not completely sure what happened--why did she get heat stroke?! Why not anyone else?! She is acting normal again and it really feels miraculous. She couldn't even lift her head and didn't want to open her eyes. But about 14 hours after the first fluids, she started to move a bit...then by the next morning, she was walking around! She is staying inside my house right now with her two sisters and they are having a few days of R & R. I feel very lucky!!

 

[viennaproto]

I am so glad she is feeling better. Much be such a sign of relief.