Chicks finally hatched, but one chick seems to be weaker, please help!

[byouland]

My broody barred rock named Speckles successfully hatched three eggs just a few days ago However one of the chicks seems weaker than the other two. I've watched her closely and noticed she seems to struggle drinking water, but she is always drinking water.

I've watched her eating, but she does not eat as much as the other hens. I've watched Speckles give the chicks worms and moths, but this little chick is not interested. Her size is also much smaller than the other hens. Another thing I've noticed is that momma hen wants to be out of the coop with her chicks. I let her out for a couple hours (with me right there) and then I put them back in. I have noticed that this one chick, that we call "Happy Feat", seems to want to lay in the sun or she shivers. Should I just make momma and chicks stay inside coop for a least a week and only let momma out? And any suggestions how to give this little girl energy? I'm brand new at raising chicks from hatchlings. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Here are some pictures of the new chicks.

This is the baby chick who seems lethargic "Happy Feat"

Here is Happy Feat looking like she is struggling drinking

The three chicks (they are only 4 days old)

Speckles just loves the dirt, and I think she wants her chicks to love it just as much

 

[TaraBellaBirds]

Have you provided electrolytes? Try that and see if they pick up. If that doesn't work, I think I would remove Happy Feet and provide some extra warmth and electrolytes for a day or two.

 

[byouland]

Have you provided electrolytes? Try that and see if they pick up. If that doesn't work, I think I would remove Happy Feet and provide some extra warmth and electrolytes for a day or two.

Do I buy electrolytes for her to drink or is there a recipe I can make?

 

[byouland]

Found out the pet store sells it. Thankfully she's hanging in. Praying she makes it.

 

[TaraBellaBirds]

They are a bit more resilient than we give them credit for. Electrolytes do wonders.

 

[byouland]

Unfortunately our little Happy Feat passed away tonight.

 

[TaraBellaBirds]

Sorry to hear that. I always try to keep electrolytes and simple antibiotics on hand, and I usually give all my chicks 'quick chick' as soon as I move them to the brooder. Chicks and adults do get sick and can go down hill quickly. Most can perk up with the right care, but losses are part of it. It could have been something genetic as well. It might not hurt to get some electrolytes for the other two just in case, it wont' hurt them.

 

[byouland]

Right from the beginning I noticed her struggling drinking and eating. So I'm wondering if she has something going on that
I couldn't help with. I felt just awful.