Baby doing nothing but laying on side and occasionally chirping.

[RedJasper]

I have a baby Plymouth Rock (Barred variety) that started chirping and chirping yesterday. It would move crumbles around with it's beak, but I don't think it was eating any, or drinking (although it has been pooing).

When I held "him", he was very quiet and would just snuggle and close it's eyes. I make some sugar and water mixed and dipped his beak in and he would drink a few drops here and there. Going against what my instinct told me, I put him back with the rest of the gang overnight (I didn't have a seperate light for him). When I got up 5 AM, the rest of the gang was trampling him!!!!!! I quickly picked him up and he was quiet, but now just hangs his head and flops to one side (doesn't stand well on his own.) I gave him some more sugar and water mixed and he drank a few drops again, but just cries when I put him down.

I rolled up a washcloth and left sugar water for him, but I'm thinking there is very little hope. I have no idea how old this batch I got is. I got them on Sunday from Agway.

Please, anybody, if you have had this situation or have any ideas....I'm desperate for the little thing! I've already saved one chick from an earlier batch, I just can't stand for something to suffer....

Thank you!
Keri

 

[TurkeyMountainChickens]

It doesn't sound good for your little one. Feed store chicks can be very stressed from the shipping, etc., and they are often exposed to diseases.

It sounds like you're trying with this one - the vitamin water is a good start. If you are worried about trampling, you can set up a cardboard ring around the chick. That way, it can still be under the light but should be protected from the others.

 

[chicks4kids]

So sorry to hear about that. It sounds to me like it's probably already too far gone-especially if it was getting trampled all night long. That sure takes alot out of an already weak chick. It sounds to me like you've done pretty much all that you can for it. Now just keep your fingers crossed and keep trying to get it to drink most importantly. Can you place it in a coffee cup or bowl so it can't get trampled by the others?

 

[RedJasper]

Last night I tried to but it in a small plastic container, but the other chicks jumped in. Maybe I will try a coffee mug tonight since it's taller.

Should I get some vit. B drops to try? I've just been using plain white sugar and water.

 

[chicks4kids]

I got some Poly Vi Sol drops w/out iron from my pharmacist (not prescription but they keep it behind the pharmacy where I live). It's a real high vitamin drop for infants. I had a real weak turkey and it was suggested that I give 1 or 2 drops of that a day to really help give it an extra boost. It worked. But it's about $8 a bottle here. You could try that. Other than that, I don't know what else you could do...if it's not wanting to drink you may have to put droplets of water down it's throat just to be sure it's not dehydrating itself.

 

[RedJasper]

Hi All,

I just wanted to let you know I lost my sweet little baby. She was still breathing when I got home, but semi-face down. I tried the Poly VI SOL drops, but I don't know if I overdosed or drowned because I was also trying to give some more sugar water. Sad...Sad day.

Then, this morning, another chick drown when part of my brooder support collapsed.....today had not been a very good day

 

[chicks4kids]

Things will get better...........hang in there!

 

[shellybean40]

Awwwww, so sorry!