Chick problem!! HELP ASAP!

[tinkerbell265]

I have this Buff Orpington and from the minute i got her she has pasted up and been very lethargic. Her vent is cleared now but i cant seem to get her to eat or drink. She is very weak and only wants to sleep... I ended up isolating her and putting some of the chick starter into her water and i dipped her beak into the water to get SOMETHING into her belly. And it worked for a bit. She even started perking up and drinking on her own! And then almost two seconds later she started drooling?? And it even looked like she was dry heaving? Anyone know why? Or what i should do?

She's also got a yellowish color poo stuck to her and no matter what i do, i can't get it off (It also smells VERY sour near the vent)! She is constantly picking at it (When she isn't sleeping.) I did manage to get most of it off her but it's still stuck on her belly and on her butt mostly. From what i can tell, it's not blocking her vent anymore though.

If anyone can help me please hurry! I feel like she's going to die! And i DON'T want that! She's my favorite chick!

I got my chicks on june 26, around 6 a.m. So i've only had them for a couple days. I'm pretty sure they are roughly a 3-5ish days old... Is it possible for her to have sour crop at this age?

Tanks so much!

 

[RonC]

Keep her bottom cleaned off.A warm wet washcloth and let it soak for a bit before gently cleaning her. Apply a little vaseline to keep anything from sticking.Try some plain yogurt and a little ACV in the water. Make sure she gets water in her and offer her some moistened food but don't let it sit. It molds really quick. Sadly the first week is when internal problems usually show up. Hopiing she makes it.

 

[tinkerbell265]

Thank you so much! I will try the yogurt! But what is Acv? This is my first batch of chicks... Ever.

 

[Naunnie]

ACV is apple cider vinegar. Try to use "organic" with the "mother" in it. It will look cloudy and have sediment in the bottom, so shake before each use.

 

[Naunnie]

She also needs warmth. Are you keeping a light on her?

 

[tinkerbell265]

Yes, there is a heat lamp on in the brooder at all times. The other two bird are thriving and growing and she seems to just be staying tiny and lethargic. I feel so sorry for her. I bought some ACV today and will see if that helps at all.

Right now she's got vaseline on her vent and is mostly cleaned up. I'm afraid to wet her too much or make her sore so we've been taking it slow. Today the only thing i did was put the vaseline on her and make sure her vent wasn't blocked. I left the rest on her to give her a full day of rest.

How much ACV goes in the water? I have a mason jar that get's filled around halfway and is changed every morning. I'm thinkin' a 1/2 tsp should be added? More? Less?

Thanks for replying, she seems to be doing slightly better! Although she's still not eating on her own, she pecks at the food and at least shows a little interest. Any advice at all is great!

 

[RonC]

That should be about right on the ACV. I know you want the little one to survive and we all hope she does. Do what you can do for her. That's all anyone can do.

 

[LukensFarms]

I always add a little sugar to the water. It will help with energy and the stools. She needs vitamins. Try not to do too much more. Too much attention can be more stressful and kill the little thing. Hang in there.

 

[tinkerbell265]

I would like to thank all of you guys for trying to help me, but unfortunately my Buff passed last night. She seemed happy, just a little bit weak and unhealthy. She died with my other chicks huddled around her. So i'm glad she died cuddling and seemingly content.

Thanks anyway you guys.

 

[Naunnie]

So sad....sorry you lost her.