chick is lethargic

[love2grinchicke]

my fourth chick hatched about 18 hours ago. I have already lost one to some bloody thing, and this one appeared to be fine. we moved it to the brooder after three hours because of temperature issues in the bator. Now it is walking around in short distances, but it's eyes are half closed. I am dipping it's beak in sugar water, after which it usually opens it's eyes and stumbles around. Is there anything else I should do, or is this normal??? My other two surviving chicks were active by 18 hours, and I really don't want to lose this one. It is by itself, and has access to sugar water, normal water, and chick food. Please respond quickly!

 

[Wyandottes7]

It might just be weak after a hard hatch. Continue dipping its beak in the sugar water. If you have some, or can get some, put some electrolytes in the water too.

 

[love2grinchicke]

okay. What will the electrolytes do?

 

[Wyandottes7]

okay. What will the electrolytes do?

Electrolytes are just good for chicks (I'm not sure exactly how). They give energy, and help if a chick isn't eating much.

 

[love2grinchicke]

i found a recipe for homemade electrolytes, which includes sugar, salt, and baking soda. Will this work? I won't put anything in until I get some responses. First time raising chicks, so I need advice.

 

[Wyandottes7]

i found a recipe for homemade electrolytes, which includes sugar, salt, and baking soda. Will this work? I won't put anything in until I get some responses. First time raising chicks, so I need advice.

Where did you find the recipe? If its for chickens/poultry, it should be fine for them.

 

[love2grinchicke]

the link is here, and it says use for chickens, dogs, cats, horses or people.
http://www.communitychickens.com/2012/07/homemade-electrolyte-recipe-hot-weather.html#.UnleDCigr8x

 

[love2grinchicke]

the chick is bouncing around now, and is so much better! we took the sugar water out because she was getting really sticky. Thank you so much Wyandottes7! Should we still put electroyltes in the water?

 

[Wyandottes7]

the chick is bouncing around now, and is so much better! we took the sugar water out because she was getting really sticky. Thank you so much Wyandottes7! Should we still put electroyltes in the water?

Putting electrolytes in would still be a good idea. I always have electrolytes in my chicks water until they are several weeks old.

 

[love2grinchicke]

okay, thanks for the advice

I really hope it survives