- Jul 18, 2014
- 17
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I received 7 brand new chicks (3 Delawares, 2 RIR and 2 lovely black Jersey giants from mypetchicken) on Tuesday. I gave them the electrolyte and probiotic drink offered with regular water for the first two days. The Jersey Giants were both panting the first day. I adjusted light but they would pant on cool side of brooder. 2 of them (a RIR and one Jersey) always drank up the Save-A-Chick tea when I offered.
Last night was my third night and full day of no probiotic-electrolyte tea --- I noticed something was off with one of the Jerseys (I honestly can't tell the two baby chicks apart...they are identical and are usually together.)
One of the Jerseys was asleep standing up...I gave the chicks some yogurt mash because I've been dealing with pasty butt. They loved it the narcoleptic chick wouldn't move...I picked her up and she still wouldn't wake up. I tried to make her eat the yogurt and still nothing! I frantically read posts and tried giving her a bit of warm honey. This made her walk around but she was still falling asleep standing up. She tried to poop but only the tiniest amount of water came out...she looks puffy
This morning I saw her drink water (now it's easy to tell two Jerseys apart.) She's still acting funny -- she'll take a couple of steps if someone pecks her a couple times. But she just stands there with her head hung low...
What should I do? Why does she pant? (I don't see the other one do it anymore.) Should I make them scrambled eggs? Should I squeeze her cloaca? I thought I could be tougher, but these are my first chicks and I'm a nervous wreck! I feel awful...DH grew up with chickens so he just shrugs and says,"she'll be fine or she won't." I would just feel better if I could help.
Last night was my third night and full day of no probiotic-electrolyte tea --- I noticed something was off with one of the Jerseys (I honestly can't tell the two baby chicks apart...they are identical and are usually together.)
One of the Jerseys was asleep standing up...I gave the chicks some yogurt mash because I've been dealing with pasty butt. They loved it the narcoleptic chick wouldn't move...I picked her up and she still wouldn't wake up. I tried to make her eat the yogurt and still nothing! I frantically read posts and tried giving her a bit of warm honey. This made her walk around but she was still falling asleep standing up. She tried to poop but only the tiniest amount of water came out...she looks puffy
This morning I saw her drink water (now it's easy to tell two Jerseys apart.) She's still acting funny -- she'll take a couple of steps if someone pecks her a couple times. But she just stands there with her head hung low...
What should I do? Why does she pant? (I don't see the other one do it anymore.) Should I make them scrambled eggs? Should I squeeze her cloaca? I thought I could be tougher, but these are my first chicks and I'm a nervous wreck! I feel awful...DH grew up with chickens so he just shrugs and says,"she'll be fine or she won't." I would just feel better if I could help.