First time chick owner. Oh dear... what could be wrong?!

[FluffyandGinger]

Hello !

I'm delighted to be the proud new owner of two baby chicks (born June 11th) ...they've been adorable, and entertaining and everything I thought having chicks would be like until one of them has been all out of sorts today. I think she's sick and I'm not sure what to do.

She's got clear discharge in her mouth that has been dripping at times, seems very, very sleepy, when I pick her up she doesn't fight against me one bit, instead just closes her eyes and almost nods off. Now she's away from her friend facing the wall and sleeping standing up, normally she sleeps on the floor cuddled up to her friend. She seems to be eating and drinking ok, but she's getting the food caught in the sticky saliva and the other chick is eating it (more like snatching it) from her beak.

I called the nursery where we got her from and they said they could swap her out for a stronger one for me if I like but me, and my daughters are so fond of these little chicks already I don't want to just swap her out if I'm overreacting.... but then don't want to have her not make it through the night.

Any light you could shed on the matter would be most appreciated !

Thanks!

 

[spikennipper]

Hi, I'm not sure what could be affecting your little chick I'm afraid there are a number of things it could be, but I would take up the nurseries offer and swap her for another, it does sound like she is very poorly and may not make it no matter what you do

when they are this young they do not have much strength to fight anything plus she may spread it to your other chick, your other chick will need a new companion but I would get two

sorry I couldn't be anymore help but I think this may be your best course of action.

 

[Majd]

Hi and welcome to BYC... I agree with spikennipper..... that young they almost don't stand a chance facing any disease it'sbetter to swap her wwith another healthy one:/

 

[FluffyandGinger]

Thanks for your advice! I think I'll see how she is in the morning and then take her back to the nursery either just to see what they think it is or swap her.

 

[baseballchick]

If you could get her there today, I would. These poor chickies can go in an instant... Take her while she is still able to make it there with you!

 

[wsmith]

I'm afraid this might turn our badly for you and the chick. when this has happened to us, the chick usually dies.
In our flock, if a chick starts to exhibit behavior and symptoms as you describe, we immediatley remove it from the group. It usually dies within an hour or two. The others generally do just fine.

Sorry

 

[witchawomn]

Same happened to me. An order came from My Pet Chichen. Two died in transit. A third died at five days old for no apparent reason. Was fine earlier in the day...then just went down hill and died in my hands in an hour. Sad...but swap it out.

 

[FluffyandGinger]

So the little one seemed to perk up today, and after the visit to the nursery, 2 drops of Colloidal Silver we brought Fluffy back home with us. She still has a sticky beak poor little thing but they seemed to think she was ok, no dramas, just perhaps a stress thing.
I bought a bottle of the Colloidal Silver and will continue to give it to her.... these are the kind of things I never thought ...! Wish me luck!

 

[baseballchick]

Good luck! I hope your baby strives!!