Help! Should I cull?

[teutschb]

I have a buff chick about 5 days old. He has been fine up to a couple days ago. Now he seem to loose awareness and has to gasp to breath. It will last from anywhere to 20 min. to an hour at a time. It looks like he is trying to chirp but I think it is the way he is breathing. He becomes very limp and just lays there with his eyes closed. Then, he will jump up and shake his head and act normal for a few seconds, and it starts all over again. It seems to be happening more often now and he can stand while he is having these. After they are over, he will peep and run around and eat and drink. His poo looks normal. Like I said, it just started happening and I don't know if this is a start to something the other chicks could get or it could be something just not right with him. We are going to cull if he doesn't stop or find a reason. I hate to do it and I'm giving him every chance. If someone has any idea please let me know. I don't know what to do with it. Thank You!

 

[Indianfeathers]

does he have any grit available......maybe needs a little pedialyte (vitamin supplement or antibiotics)

 

[teutschb]

I had what sounds like the same thing happening with a chick I had hatched. I also got advise to try grit and anitbiotics and fluids. I had no luck getting anything to work. It got worse as it went. At times he would lay completely limp and act like he was going to die. It was a buff orpington too. I ended up culling. It was a hard decision to make. I then had another chick this time a lavender buff. I let this one go and it didn't grow. It finally died on its own. I couldn't figure this out either. I hope someone can give you better info than I had and your chick is ok. I wish you and your chick the best! And a good outcome...

 

[mommahen64]

I made a newbie mistake of having the lamp a little too close - my little guys did something similar. Maybe he's too hot?? Once I moved the lamp up a bit it got better.