EMERGENCY!!! Chick Maybe Dying!

[LuvinChickens]

I have a chick that hatched September 11th. She seems lethargic. She keeps bobbing her head and it seems like she may have something wrong with her respiratory system. I tried to feed her some mash, but that seemed to make things worse. She bobbed her head and then shook it flinging food everywhere. There is a lump in her throat, I shined a flashlight in her throat, and I can see the thing. It look like a piece of something, but it looks like it "connects" to something inside. I don't know what to do! Please help.

 

[nakstk]

Is she only eating crumble? Could she have eaten some of her bedding or something? Try just giving her liquids for now. It sounds like it could be an impacted crop. Her crop should be empty in the morning. If not with hold food and just offer her water or a little olive oil. Keep checking her crop throughout the day. If it does empty and she starts acting normal the great. If not you will have to with hold food for a little longer and give her more oil. You can massage her crop to try to break up what ever is in there. Hope this helps. I add the diagram to help you see where her crop is. I found it very helpful when dealing with an impacted crop with on of my girls.

 

[LuvinChickens]

Thank you. I can't feel her crop at all. I don't think she's been eating. I think it's a birth defect. She has had trouble drinking since she hatched.

 

[nakstk]

I am sorry to hear that. I hope she pulls through.