first time chick mom baby is sick need help please

[poochell01]

I have 14 baby chicks they are 5 weeks old. Today one of my baby's is being lethargic and seems like gasping for air ( mouth open like making noises with no noises) I'm freaking out can some one help me please I took them out for the first time today everyone played but her she just sat at my feet til I took her in

 

[Michael Apple]

The problem with gasping like that is it is dangerous to administer anything orally for fear of choking or aspiration. The gasping is likely a sign of fluid in the air sac/lungs. If the chick is gasping and is immobile, the best you can do is keep it warm and comfortable until it passes on. I'm sorry. I lost a week old exhibiting those symptoms last week.

 

[poochell01]

She seems to be better tonight she is eating and drinking and playing with the others. Should I separate her?sorry about your loss. I never knew I would love them so much I'm super over protective and am nervous about putting them outside.

 

[Michael Apple]

She seems to be better tonight she is eating and drinking and playing with the others. Should I separate her?sorry about your loss. I never knew I would love them so much I'm super over protective and am nervous about putting them outside.

Glad to hear that. It may be too cold out there. I start mine at 5 weeks outside usually with a brooder lamp in the coop connected to my grow off pen. Some breeds grow and feather out slower than others and they can't preserve enough heat on those cold nights or breezy days. When I let them out of the grow off pen on grassy range, I do so after they are familiar with where the safety of home base is and understand I'm the guy with the food calling them.

 

[kacklinkelly]

You are reminding me that I had one doing the same thing when she was younger.
I was as worried as you appear to be. It turned out to be a non issue as she stopped
doing it on her own with no intervention. wishing you the best.

 

[poochell01]

Thank you everyone it is nice to have this site for help and stuff it was their first time out of the house I read I should put them out for 30 mins when its warm out to get them ready for living out there we stayed with them the whole time. My husband is ready for them to be out of the bathroom I am panicked about putting them out when its time. But maybe she was just scared or cold keeping a close eye on her. Thank u all again very much