HELP! 8wk chick not doing well...lethargic, wheezing

[greytmommy]

I have 5 baby chicks that are now about 8wks old. We moved them outside to the coop (with a heat light) about 2wks ago. One of the hens adopted them and has been looking out for them.

The weather took a shocking cold snap earlier than expected. My light went out last night (I didnt realize it) and this morning the temp was 19 when I woke up.

The other chicks are fine. They came out when I opened the coop, scratching around, following "mama". this one chick was sitting all alone, puffed up, eyes closed. I thought she was getting too cold. I put her in my coat for a while during my work.

She still seems lethargic, so I brought her inside to let her warm up for a while. She is currently wrapped up in a towel on my lap. Her eyes are still closed, she is peeping occasionally. I heard some mild wheezing while she was breathing, but it is more intermittent.

What do I need to do for her? Is there anything I can do but warm her up? make her some scrambled eggs?

 

[Wyandottes7]

She might just be lethargic because she is cold. Put her beneath a heat lamp to warm up, and give her some electrolytes and probiotics if you have some. The wheezing might be because she has a mild respiratory disease, or it could be caused by dusty litter or stress. She would probably like some scrambled eggs.

 

[greytmommy]

ok. i dont have any electrolyes currently on hand (all out).

She is still in my lap, and she is starting to move around more, and I am hearing a lot more peeping. I might move her to a box w/ a heat lamp soon.

I can go pick up some electrolytes soon and I will scramble her an egg in a bit.

poor baby....

 

[greytmommy]

ok, chick is a LOT better.

She must have just been that cold. She is alert, she ate her scrambled egg and drank some water. I fixed the heat lamp in the coop, so I have returned her to the coop. I watched her, and she hopped up on the low roost (close to the heat) and saw her huddle up with the other chicks.

I will check on her again tomorrow, and keep an eye on her for a while.

Looks like she just got chilled, but she should be fine now.