Failure to thrive

[MochaLatteGal]

Today is day three of my new flock of 8. I have one that is failing to thrive. I lost one on day two. Last night she chirped for an hour and I thought I might loose her. But much to my delight she was alive this AM but she is so much smaller than the other six. I have separated her with her own food and water. I added a little honey to her water and placed a drop of water on her tiny beak. She can barely stand up. I hold her in my neck which seems to calm her. I really don't want to loose another chick. Any advice?

 

[horror_trashcan]

I wouldn't separate her from the rest but I would keep an eye on her and watch if she can eat and drink by herself. Chicks need a lot of rest as well and sometimes they just don't make it. If you can get her to peck at food and water I'm sure she'll get along, your neck is probably a warm place for her.

 

[MochaLatteGal]

Thanks for the input. I removed her because the others are pecking at her, walking on her and piling on top of her. I've "saved" her from the bottom of the pile twice already. I've already lost one and I understand sometimes it's natures way of keeping flocks healthy. I just want to be sure I've done all I know how to do...and I don't know everything so a reach out into the chicken community helps.

 

[LaFleche]

Sorry you already lost one.

Here is whst I would do:

Check her butt for clogged poop and clean thoroughly several time a day if necessary.

Check her umbilicus for any sign of inflammation.

Leave her in the same brooder with the other chicks but provide a barrier using a piece of hardware cloth so they will be able to see each other and snuggle without her getting crushed.

Get her a fluffy toy to snuggle up against or crawl on in case she needs more heat.

Prepare some oregano and thyme tea with added poultry vitamins and electrolytes to administer at least 2-4 drops every two hours with a dropper.
Holding her upright with one hand and careful to let her swallow and breathe in between each drop.

Feed her tiny bits of scrambled eggs and some fine rolled oats and millet.

Have a dark colour towel as bedding so the millet, sand grains and fine rolled oats spread on it will entice her natural pecking instinct.

 

[LaFleche]

Thanks for the input. I removed her because the others are pecking at her, walking on her and piling on top of her. I've "saved" her from the bottom of the pile twice already. I've already lost one and I understand sometimes it's natures way of keeping flocks healthy. I just want to be sure I've done all I know how to do...and I don't know everything so a reach out into the chicken community helps.

Check the temperature in your brooder as piling up on top of each other can hint to either being too cold or, in case they pile up in the corner farthest away from the heat source, being too hot.

 

[MochaLatteGal]

Sorry you already lost one.

Here is whst I would do:

Check her butt for clogged poop and clean thoroughly several time a day if necessary.

Check her umbilicus for any sign of inflammation.

Leave her in the same brooder with the other chicks but provide a barrier using a piece of hardware cloth so they will be able to see each other and snuggle without her getting crushed.

Get her a fluffy toy to snuggle up against or crawl on in case she needs more heat.

Prepare some oregano and thyme tea with added poultry vitamins and electrolytes to administer at least 2-4 drops every two hours with a dropper.
Holding her upright with one hand and careful to let her swallow and breathe in between each drop.

Feed her tiny bits of scrambled eggs and some fine rolled oats and millet.

Have a dark colour towel as bedding so the millet, sand grains and fine rolled oats spread on it will entice her natural pecking instinct.

Excellent. I'm on it! Thank you.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

If it is failure to thrive, she's going to pass at some point. Most of mine pass before 5 weeks, I did have one pullet that somehow made it to almost 4 months if I remember correctly, but it was obvious she was still not going to stick around long since she was ¼ the size of her siblings

 

[MochaLatteGal]

If it is failure to thrive, she's going to pass at some point. Most of mine pass before 5 weeks, I did have one pullet that somehow made it to almost 4 months if I remember correctly, but it was obvious she was still not going to stick around long since she was ¼ the size of her siblings

I understand. I just want to make sure I'm doing all I know how to do to give her the best chance of being part of my flock. If she can't make it then it is meant to be. Mother nature makes these decisions.