First timer- listless 2 day old chick

[kfoxy]

Hi all! Long time lurker, but yesterday I finally got my first chicks! All are happy and alert and warm in their brooder, but today I noticed one (my favorite, go figure) is quite lethargic. She’s a 2 day old blue laced red wyandotte, and is familiar with the feeder and nipple waterer. She’s been sleeping all day and not moving much, but she’s still able to walk and peep. They are on medicated chick starter and have lots of room. There are no signs of pasty butt and I haven’t seen any unusual poo on the floor of the brooder. She is not chirping excessively or panting. She accepted about 10 drops of Sav A Chick in a dropper and went back to sleep. Any tips? Am I being paranoid? I really want my babies to all stay healthy and happy.

 

[AngieDawn]

No. You’re not being paranoid

I’m not an expert but that’s the beginning signs of not doing well. Is she eating and drinking on her own?
I had mine near a door and my kids were in and out and I think the draft got mine so I’ll ask if there is any drafts.

 

[kfoxy]

No. You’re not being paranoid

I’m not an expert but that’s the beginning signs of not doing well. Is she eating and drinking on her own?
I had mine near a door and my kids were in and out and I think the draft got mine so I’ll ask if there is any drafts.

Thank you for your response and affirmation!
She pecked at her food some earlier today, but I have not seen her drinking on her own. She does occasionally crowd whatever nipple every other chick is fixated on at the moment but I haven’t seen the actual act of her drinking from it.
Brooder is in my temperature controlled garage with supplemental heat and no draft... I enter from the house which is warm as well. I’m totally puzzled.

 

[AngieDawn]

I’ve heard a lot of people say to offer mashed hard boiled egg. That seemed to help one of mine!

 

[AngieDawn]

And make sure it’s drinking. Just like any animal (and people), dehydration causes lethargy.

 

[kfoxy]

And make sure it’s drinking. Just like any animal (and people), dehydration causes lethargy.

No luck with scrambled egg but I will try boiled next! 10-4 on keeping her hydrated... do you know how long and how often to give her the electrolytes?

 

[AngieDawn]

I gave my 2 some every hour or so and one bounced back and the other didn’t.

I used a lid to a peanut butter container and held them and had them drink droplets from my finger

I used save a chick too which you used

I’m sorry you’re going through this. I know it’s hard to watch and feel helpless.

 

[kfoxy]

I gave my 2 some every hour or so and one bounced back and the other didn’t.

I used a lid to a peanut butter container and held them and had them drink droplets from my finger

I used save a chick too which you used

I’m sorry you’re going through this. I know it’s hard to watch and feel helpless.

Thank you so much for the kind words, I’m a mess. Will continue the electrolytes every hour and see how she does. She just took some more from a dropper and seemed to enjoy it- we haven’t given up yet!

 

[kfoxy]

I gave my 2 some every hour or so and one bounced back and the other didn’t.

I used a lid to a peanut butter container and held them and had them drink droplets from my finger

I used save a chick too which you used

I’m sorry you’re going through this. I know it’s hard to watch and feel helpless.

Update! She’s up and has eaten on her own a few times and pooped! I’m going to give her one last go with some electrolytes and fresh water from the dropper before bed and check her again in the AM. Hoping we are out of the woods now!

 

[NewBoots]

She might have a problem figuring out the nipple. I'd keep giving her water droplets from your finger tip until you see her actively drinking water on her own. Give her a jar lid with water and pebbles or marbles to catch her eye if need be. Dehydration is a killer.