Chicks heavy breathing

[Swampy_9]

So i once again and raising chicks. This isn't my first time, I've handled most problems, including labored breathing. However since its been so long i cant tell if its normal breathing or the labored breathing once more. I do not think its from the heat given they seek to be under the lamp as much as possible. they still run around, eat and scratch at it. drink their water just fine, and peck at each other. However their breathing is a bit heavy, Its all of them it seems. Ive given garlic to their food/ their water has vitamins and electrolytes as well. and their poops seem normal (though watery) and even just dabbed the smallest amount of VetRx to their beak. i notice only when they get comfortable they do a 'yawn' motion and bob their head but aside that nothing else.
ive noticed usually one trails off closes her eyes under the lamp and then after the two others pile around the other. I Think they are fine given when i give them fresh food and tap they rush to eat near my hand. and they chirp a lot. but i cant tell if this is the first signs of a respiratory infection or like something else i shouldn't worry about

 

[Debbie292d]

I would get a thermometer and see what the temp is at the "cool" end as maybe it's not much different. Baby chicks rarely have sicknesses unless it's given to them by introducing them to bacteria or other sick chickens. Is the bedding anything different than pine shavings and paper towels or puppy pads?

I'd stop all of the water additives if they've had it for a full day. You could also try taking them out of your brooder for a few minutes and see if they start to improve.

 

[Swampy_9]

I would get a thermometer and see what the temp is at the "cool" end as maybe it's not much different. Baby chicks rarely have sicknesses unless it's given to them by introducing them to bacteria or other sick chickens. Is the bedding anything different than pine shavings and paper towels or puppy pads?

I'd stop all of the water additives if they've had it for a full day. You could also try taking them out of your brooder for a few minutes and see if they start to improve.

i only have pine shavings and puppy pads and while the labored breathing seems to stay they remain as active though still grow tired of course.

I have given them just plain water yesterday and only added just a bit today. their poops are more watery like diarrhea so tomorrow i plan to just keep it plain water, though im also guessing the medicated starter feed may have something to do with that as well. I have taken them out of the brooder and their breathing seems to calm down so i am guessing its the lamp and will have to adjust since they are barely about to be 1 week old , the problem now is. they seem to want to be constantly held now. though they are eating and drinking as normal

 

[Debbie292d]

i only have pine shavings and puppy pads and while the labored breathing seems to stay they remain as active though still grow tired of course.

I have given them just plain water yesterday and only added just a bit today. their poops are more watery like diarrhea so tomorrow i plan to just keep it plain water, though im also guessing the medicated starter feed may have something to do with that as well. I have taken them out of the brooder and their breathing seems to calm down so i am guessing its the lamp and will have to adjust since they are barely about to be 1 week old , the problem now is. they seem to want to be constantly held now. though they are eating and drinking as normal

Medicated feed doesn't cause diarrhea, but vitamins do. That's why I only give vitamins one day and electrolytes/probiotics another, with a day of just water in between. Then, that's about all I do for new chicks. I don't remember what the reasoning was, but I've read electrolytes shouldn't be given more than a day or two. Probably because it's loaded with sodium.

I'm glad you found out what's causing the heavy breathing though.

Those chicks found out you make them feel better when you took them out, so that's probably a little part of them wanting to be held. It's hard to resist though.