Been lurking around a while decided to sign up. I haven't had chickens since I was a kid and now we are in a place where we can start a flock. Our new coop is ready and we just brought home 10 chicks. 5 random pullets and a straight run of 5 more randoms from atwoods. All are eating drinking and peeping except one of the pullets. She seems to perk up when brought outside for some sune and is doing a bit better with some force fed sugar water. Keeping a close eye on her. Good news is it appears we have two jersey giants in the mix!
Hi and welcome to BYC . Congratulations on your new chicks and i wish you all the best with your chicken keeping renaissance. Cheers CT
If she is one of the quieter chicks, it may be that the others are running over her or pushing her around. Or even she may have had a rougher hatch, or be somewhat younger than the others. Maybe you could divide the brooder in half - and have the smaller -gentler ones in with her and the rowdy ones in the other half. Since you don't know what breeds, some could quickly outgrow her. I think she felt better in the sun because they others weren't around. Chicks can get chilled quickly, so please don't keep her out alone, too long. You might also offer her scrambled eggs or hard boiled egg yolk- mashed with a little water or plain yoqurt. to temp her to eat more. Make sure the others don't see her getting treats. Once she starts eating better, I think she would surprise you.
Thanks everybody. The chick in question is the loudest of the bunch. She is now eating and drinking on her own. Still a bit unsteady on her feet but seems to run to the water, she likes to stand in it. My laser thermometer says she is warmer than the others but she likes to cram herself under the bigger ones and cuddle . I think she will be fine I am going out to build a bigger brooder in the barn, cant waste the warm weather we have been having
Just an update... the chicks got probiotics on some crushed oatmeal, that was a bit of a frenzy once they figured out it was good stuff. the little weak chick is doing great. She is still smaller than the others but is feathering as quickly. Since we had a talk about survival somebody lit a fire under her tail feathers and she doesnt get picked on anymore. The jersey giants are probably roos, but are the most motherly to the all the others I spied on them sleeping in a pile and both were on the outside and had their wings over the rest. Btw they are not cold they have always slept together
