Help for poor little chick

[Magatron]

Hello all ! I am currently trying to save a 3 week old chick !
Here’s the story / information
Friend of mine got herself some back yard chickens without much prior knowledge . She had them on chick starter but then began giving them treats and short visits out on the grass on sunny days . She did not provide chick grit . The chicks are bedded on wood shavings as well. All chicks are fine and well .... except one . she will be getting chick grit for the rest of them today to make sure that wasn’t the cause of all of this . She was found 4 days ago , lethargic, and unable to stand - flopping over onto her back . My friend assumed it was splayed legs and used the bandaid method . Unfortunatley that’s didn’t help the chick to move around and I believe it couldn’t get to food and water . She tried her best to give it water but I don’t think often enough. She called me yesterday and I went and picked up this poor chick . FIRST OFF this little things crop is so hard and full of lumps It’s hard not to think it’s a toumer (maybe it is) . Not sure it ever had splayed legs ,I think it’s crop has been impacted so bad for so long it’s starving and dehydrated . I have managed to get it to take some water every half hour or so for about 20 hours now (no food) and she is doing much better but that crop is still rock hard. Yesterday she couldn’t not put any weight on her legs or she would fall over ,seemed to throw her head back and gasp for air , didn’t chirp at all and could barley keep it’s eyes open . I didn’t know if she was gonna make it through the night . She did ! and to my surprise is a lot more alert today , eyes open ,can put weight on her legs and stand up with a bit of help and is drinking on her own. Her breathing is much better today as well. She has a white poop and a brown one overnight ! I have gotten a couple little blobs of coconut oil into her as well and been gently massaging her crop but it’s still so hard and nothing moves a ton all ! I know this chicks probably a goner guys but I have alwayse believed if an animal will eat and drink it has a will to live . Any advice is welcome. My plan is to keep on with the water— no food and coconut oil once or twice today. She had a little clear fluid come up after some water this morning , I am hoping that was due to her crop being blocked . I will limit her to a few gulps each time to avoid this. I’m considering Dulcolax and baby food cause I don’t think water and oil are going to soften this up ! I can try and get a picture of what her crop looks like if people are interested , I have yet to find a pic on the net that looks like this little girls crop so maybe I’m completely wrong !
Just a girl trying to save a chick
Maggie
P.s. I am prepared to do what needs to be done if this chick is suffering or too far gone

 

[Eggcessive]

Crop surgery might be needed, but that is best done by a vet. Dulcolax is a brand name, and you would want to avoid Dulcolax laxative suppositories or tablets. What you would want is doccusate sodium stool softener, which is usually found as generic, or under Colase or the Dulcolax labels.

The coconut oil chilled and cut into small pieces for the chick to peck would be good. I would try to feed a little soft food, such as egg, just to keep it’s blood sugar up. It is good that you are trying to save the chick.

 

[coach723]

I think you have done all the right things so far. Post above is correct, don't use a laxative, only a stool softener, and I would only do that if the chick is well hydrated and everything else is not giving you any improvement. The stool softener can add to any dehydration going on. If you can give some fluids every hour or so, coconut oil, and massage, the more you do that the better chance to break up whatever it is. But sometimes it just won't pass and crop surgery is the only way to clear it. With a 3 week old chick, having that done by a vet would absolutely be best. Good luck to you, glad you are willing to try.

 

[Magatron]

Thank you both for being so kind. Unfortunately crop surgery is not an option
So I’m gonna try the Dulcolax, I’m aware I have to get a certain kind but thank you for mentioning everything helps . I will continue with the coconut oil , water and massages. I still think she may have a chance . after I wrote my lengthy post I heard some chirping (doesn’t usually chirp unless I disturb her ) so I went in and she had a bigg poop ( 2nd one in 4 days) it had some white and a lot of brown , it was not solid but I did see some small chunks. Hoping she is starting to pass some of it and maybe the Dulcolax will work . I will make sure to make sure she’s getting lots and lots of water to make sure the Dulcolax doesn’t dehydrate her .
Couple questions tho how much should I use ...? I saw 2 caps squeezez into a bit of baby food . I think that may have been for an adult chicken tho. Don’t wanna overdose then poor thing ... or under dose and it has no effect ! She’s 3 weeks old . I initially gave her some sugar water yesterday but have just been giving fresh water since . Again any advise welcome, and I’m sorry the surgery is not an option I hope you can understand.
Just a girl trying to save a chick
Maggie

 

[Eggcessive]

If I tried the stool softener at all I would only use 1/2 of one capsule. But the coconut oil may be enough. Just give a lot of water. I hope that you have success with treating.

 

[coach723]

I've never used it on a chick this young, so I would agree with @Eggcessive and I would probably only use 1/2 a capsule. But if things are moving some with the fluids and oil, I'd stick with that for a bit longer. It can take days for a crop to clear, if it's going to. I had one bird that took 6 days (adult) to finally start emptying her crop. I did not use stool softener on her, it was all fluids, coconut oil, and massage.

 

[Magatron]

Thank a bunch again guys
it’s been wobbling around unable to feed it’s self or drink for 4 days
It’s been getting water for almost 24 hours now , she’s made some progress but she is still so, so weak. She was much more alert and willing to drink this morning. As the day has gone on it’s become harder and harder. I worry to give her any food that it may come back up and aspirate her . My friend said on day 2 it puked after she got it to eat some. I’ll give her soft food like you guys said if you think it would help just trying to cover all the bases here ! I’m gonna try and post a picture of what her crop looks like in a few minutes here .
Just a girl trying to save a chick
Maggie

 

[Magatron]

 

[Magatron]

not sure if those pictures help any . feel so bad to disturb her for pictures but like I said I haven’t seen any pics online to compare Her issue to

 

[Eggcessive]

Is she passing droppings?