Fading Chick

[mapurcel]

Edited-No problem! I was so daunted by the idea of an enema that I looked into culling first. Lots of folks suggested enemas but there were no measurements and I didn't want to hurt him. I finally did it because I couldn't bring myself to cull without trying everything first. Most needless syringes are meant to be medicine droppers for babies, so they have measure marks on the side. I payed attention when I gave mine the enema to how much I was using but also watch your chick for discomfort.
The enema is only necessary if you think your chick is constipated. If it is making a loud, sharp, rapid sound when trying to poop. If it is trying unsuccessfully to poop, you can tell by their posture, especially if you see what the others do when they go. If it is only pooping a small amount that looks dry and crumbly. My poor guy did all of these things. He would also wander over to the food and water but then look confused and not eat or drink, definitely fading as you said yours is now. It took a few days and a little more pasty butt clean up after the 2 enemas (it was only after the second one that I saw him poop normally) but he's 5 weeks old now and still kicking! Also thriving which I wasn't sure would happen.

There is a low whine noise (unsure if it is partially blocked vent or chick) when she goes. It’s not loud at all.

The poops have varied by dryness/size which I think is healthy.

I’m going to follow your advice and if she doesn’t improve soon I’ll try the enema.

You have made me feel so much better, you have no idea.

 

[bluemtnwmn]

There is a low whine noise (unsure if it is partially blocked vent or chick) when she goes. It’s not loud at all.

The poops have varied by dryness/size which I think is healthy.

I’m going to follow your advice and if she doesn’t improve soon I’ll try the enema.

You have made me feel so much better, you have no idea.

I'm so glad! I hope it helps. I was feeling pretty bewildered when mine were having trouble. Let us know how it goes.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

I think @Eggcessive recommends giving little slivers of chilled coconut oil for constipation, but off the top of my head I don't remember how much for a chick. Hopefully when she comes on in the morning she will advise. I am headed for bed now, can't keep eyes open. Night, all!

 

[mapurcel]

I'm so glad! I hope it helps. I was feeling pretty bewildered when mine were having trouble. Let us know how it goes.

So far today so good. She's pooping without noise so I think it's just a wicked bad case of pasty. She will eat damp/dry food just simply does not drink water on her own!

I have:
1. Laid a towel over half of the brooder to shade the water/small area.
2. Fed her the coconut oil and pineapple juice solution
3. Added 1/2 of organic apple cider vinegar to a pint of water.

She is very vocal, peeping all the time trying to snuggle or sleep. I think I need to give her a bath once she can handle the stress because her vent area feathers did not dry properly.

here is a link of her average behavior these days

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Make sure she can get away from the heat lamp too, so she does not overheat.

 

[bluemtnwmn]

I'm curious if you have dipped her beak in the water. Silly as it sounds, she may have just not 'found' the water yet. I did dip the beaks of mine that were having trouble a couple of extra times just in case. Sorry I should have asked before. Hard to remember everything...
Also, if no one is pecking at her vent I wouldn't worry about it too much. Just take care of it the next time you clean her pasty butt. Fingers crossed you don't have to do too much more if that! Mine were about 10-14 days when it finally stopped.

 

[mapurcel]

Make sure she can get away from the heat lamp too, so she does not overheat.

The towel provides shade, but oddly enough no one ever goes under it to sleep or hang out!

 

[mapurcel]

I'm curious if you have dipped her beak in the water. Silly as it sounds, she may have just not 'found' the water yet. I did dip the beaks of mine that were having trouble a couple of extra times just in case. Sorry I should have asked before. Hard to remember everything...
Also, if no one is pecking at her vent I wouldn't worry about it too much. Just take care of it the next time you clean her pasty butt. Fingers crossed you don't have to do too much more if that! Mine were about 10-14 days when it finally stopped.

I do move the water around as I adjust the lamp pretty often so I will dip her beak.

Temperature control has been VERY hard for some reason. I have trialed with leaving the door open, adding ventilation holes to the brooder, opening windows, changing thermostats, etc. These god dang bulbs are 250 watts each and I have two brooders in the same room. I fear this is the root of all the chicks suffering, but I just can't seem to nail it perfectly for some reason.

Little Gizmo (1st sick chick) has been a fighter this whole time. Her vent has been clearing up, now the concern is a secondary respiratory infection. I have been hearing crackling noises from her since Sunday and recently two other chicks started crackling very softly as well.

I ordered Baytril 10 and it should be here by Tuesday night/Wednesday. I think I should just dose the whole crew. The medicine is put in water to lessen stress but I want to make sure everyone gets the correct dose (especially if some don't drink enough!)

 

[rayrose]

You have the lamp shining directly down into the brooder, which heats up the towel, so the towel provides no relief. Try tilting the lamp away from the brooder, which will provide a cooler area for them to get away from the heat, and reduce the stress.

 

[mapurcel]

I was also thinking of moving them to the tub instead with cardboard and paper towel lining to give them more room to escape.