Brand new babies, 1-2 struggling to make it, any suggestions?

[ebenton11]

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I picked up 12 new babies this am from the post office, they were supposed to be here tues but didn't get here until today! I'm really worried about 2 of them, they appear really weak and are not returning to the water by themselves, does anyone have a suggestions that may improve their odds?

 

[DDNONIN2016]

Hello and welcome....so glad you joined BYC

I had the same thing happen to me. Had 3 dead in the box and a couple that were pretty weak. I had Save a Chick on hand to add to their water but I know others who add a little sugar to their water. I also always followed my Grandmothers advice to chop up warm boiled eggs for them (chop them very fine). I never lost a one if I could get them to start eating that.

You might check out the Raising Baby Chicks thread under the Forum tab at the top. Im sure there are loads of info there that would be helpful.

Best wishes that they perk up for you. Good luck

 

[ebenton11]

Thanks I'll try the sugar water maybe that will encourage her to go back to the waterer, I did boil an egg and give them the yolk all crushed up and I also mixed in some water to make a mash along with a separate dry food tray. Most of them seem to be doing fine, just those two that think they need to keep my heart racing I can't even leave the side of the brooder because I'm afraid I might miss one in distress:-(

 

[DDNONIN2016]

I know how you feel. I lost all kinds of sleep watching every breath of every one of mine all night long. Hope they get to feeling better soon

 

[Mr MKK FARMS]

Welcome to BYC!!!

Glad to have you aboard!!

 

[redsoxs]

Howdy from Kansas, ebenton11, and

! Pleased to have you aboard! Hope you have happy and healthy chicks! Best wishes to you!

 

[drumstick diva]

Shipping can do a real number on the babies especially when they are delayed . My friend had that happen a couple times - where she thought the newbies were not going to make it - she had gro gel on hand and used that.. I think a drop or 2 of Polyvisol infant vitamins drops(NO IRON) put on a bit of food(if they will eat) or put just inside the side of the beak - 2 or 3 times a day may get them going. It's best if you separate the ones not doing well from the others. Otherwise they get stomped on etc which wears them out even more.


Polyvisol is usually in the infant area of drugstore or Walmart etc.

 

[ebenton11]

Well it's been a week now and all of them have made it.

I have 3 that look like they are prob a little younger than the others, their wing feathers have not grown in as much. I cant tell what kind they are! We ordered 3New Hampshire's, and 3 Buff's. (along w/3 Barred rock and 3 White Plymouth Rocks) I want to say the larger ones are Buff's but the feathers are not solid peach in color there is some darker red (colors/stripes?) markings on the new feathers. Could the smaller ones be the Buff's? The feathers I see on the small one's appear to be more solid peach. Oh well, I guess time will tell!
I keep reading about other peoples chicks walking up to them and wanting to be held. I am very jealous.... Mine seem really shy and stick in a pack, scrambling around the brooder when I walk in. My first batch (2 months ago) of 6 did not do this as much and are now very friendly when I enter their coop. They seem to say "Do you have a treat for us?" So cute!!