Help sick or weak chick!!

[jzervas92]

I just bought six rhode island red chicks from tractor supply today, and only one chick is acting weird. It's not being very active and its wings are sagging. I've tried several times to get it to eat and drink but he just curls up and runs away. Its sleeping a lot and its also sleeping while standing. One of the other chicks keeps pecking him. They have plenty of space and its at 95 degrees right now. I'm not sure if I should separate them or wait to see what happens.

 

[Chick Charm]

Give em food and water. Show the sick chick where the water is and dip its beak in it. Keep the heat up. I personally wouldn't separate it yet. You may want to try and give it some SUGAR WATER to see if that perks it up.

And keep in mind there is a rate of attrition that is "normal" for baby chicks. Sad to say, some do die.

 

[Maemujwok]

Are these day old chicks? Sounds pretty normal to have them not eat/drink or really do much. From what I understand, they get enough nutrients inside the egg to survive 3 days once they are hatched. Also, the hatching process is exhausting for them. I'd say chill a bit. Think of a newborn baby--the first few days all they do is sleep. I'm not an expert (it's been 10 years since I raised chickens and am just now starting again) but I think you are probably getting worried too soon. Let the baby chicks sleep, show them their food and water--and then let them be. Best not to mess with them much for first few days.

 

[jzervas92]

Yes they're day old chicks, I was just worried because its wings are sagging. I'm going to try the sugar water and wait a few days to see what happens. Thank you guys for all the help I really appreciate it!

 

[KatieBugg]

Chicks when they are tired kind of wilt like a flower lol Chicks can and will sleep standing up with their little wings touching the floor and their head down. After the chicks get to 4-5 days old they don't do this as much.