Fresh hatch respiratory distress

[Dixiegold]

Chick hatched 6 hours ago & seems to be breathing heavy. I helped her hatch after a few hours of no success. I really tried not to intervene but I lost one last week when I didn’t intervene. It’s 100 degrees in incubator and she is dry now (still somewhat more spastic than I think she should be at this point). Any suggestions? Move to brooder now? Liqui drench? Do I need to check anything else?

 

[chelseachook]

Chick hatched 6 hours ago & seems to be breathing heavy. I helped her hatch after a few hours of no success. I really tried not to intervene but I lost one last week when I didn’t intervene. It’s 100 degrees in incubator and she is dry now (still somewhat more spastic than I think she should be at this point). Any suggestions? Move to brooder now? Liqui drench? Do I need to check anything else?

I've never dealt with this before, but maybe the humidity is affecting the breathing? I would separate it from the other chicks to give it the best chance. If she's weak it might be best to keep her in the incubator - but I can't see the harm in placing her in the brooder if she is lively (provided she is separate to the other chicks). I'm not sure you can do much else than pray for the best. She could just be stressed or it could be a more complex issue. Good luck!

 

[Dixiegold]

Doesn’t seem to be any better in brooder. Hasn’t eaten (now is 32 hrs post Hatch). I gave electrolytes & Poultry Cell via syringe but basically no interest and struggle to breathe becomes more pronounced, though it would swallow small amounts occasionally.

 

[chelseachook]

Doesn’t seem to be any better in brooder. Hasn’t eaten (now is 32 hrs post Hatch). I gave electrolytes & Poultry Cell via syringe but basically no interest and struggle to breathe becomes more pronounced, though it would swallow small amounts occasionally.

Have you offered food? Maybe it would be interested in boiled egg yolk. I don't know what else you can do other than give it heat, water, food and safety. I hope this little one pulls through.

 

[Tonyroo]

Newborn chicks don't need food till there 2 to 3 days old. You need to let them rest as much as they can.