Chick Breathing With Mouth Open

[Renada_]

I have a baby chick that I had to help from the egg yesterday. It was fine until this morning when I checked and it was like gasping with its mouth open. I had moved it to the brooder because I thought it may not be getting enough air in there. Now it’s been almost twelve hours and it still has the breathing problem. Its legs are also splayed, one in the front and one in the back. I’ve given it some sugar water and some Pedialyte and there has been no improvement. The other chicks were pecking its eyes and back so I moved it back to the brooder, now set at 95 instead of 99, and seeing if the alone time may help. Im hoping it may pull through, but I’m not sure. I like to give animals as many chances as possible instead of jumping the gun and euthanizing. I’ll insert a video link.

 

[The Chick Addict]

I have a baby chick that I had to help from the egg yesterday. It was fine until this morning when I checked and it was like gasping with its mouth open. I had moved it to the brooder because I thought it may not be getting enough air in there. Now it’s been almost twelve hours and it still has the breathing problem. Its legs are also splayed, one in the front and one in the back. I’ve given it some sugar water and some Pedialyte and there has been no improvement. The other chicks were pecking its eyes and back so I moved it back to the brooder, now set at 95 instead of 99, and seeing if the alone time may help. Im hoping it may pull through, but I’m not sure. I like to give animals as many chances as possible instead of jumping the gun and euthanizing. I’ll insert a video link.

Hello! Did you use cedar shavings in your brooder? They make it hard for chicks to breath! If so move to pine shavings quick! Try giving it fresh water. I will try to find some more info!

 

[Renada_]

Hello! Did you use cedar shavings in your brooder? They make it hard for chicks to breath! If so move to pine shavings quick! Try giving it fresh water. I will try to find some more info!

No shavings! I use hay. It was doing this before he was moved from the incubator. I’ll give it some more water!!

 

[The Chick Addict]

No shavings! I use hay. It was doing this before he was moved from the incubator. I’ll give it some more water!!

You may want to use an eyedropper to put water in the chicks mouth! I hope that helps!

 

[The Chick Addict]

You may want to use an eyedropper to put water in the chicks mouth! I hope that helps!

Your chick may have Infectious Bronchitis which is very contagious! Make sure to keep it apart from your other chicks! There is no specific treatment for infectious bronchitis, but there are supportive measures you can take to help infected chickens. Antibiotics can control secondary infections and make the recovery process easier and safer for your flock. Raising the temperature of the coop or brooder by five degrees Fahrenheit can also ease symptoms. It’s also crucial to isolate infected chickens to minimize the disease’s spread and keep uninfected flock members safe. I hope your chick gets better!

 

[RaisinChicks7]

I will pray for you and the baby chick. I’ve tried to save so many at this point and none survive in the end. It’s heartbreaking but if it continues to suffer like that it may be best to cull it. I have only culled one that was sick, the rest died in my arms. My husband had to do it - I couldn’t do it. I really don’t know which one hurts more. This is truly the hard part of raising chickens. My heart goes out to you.