Hoarse chick

[Southwellski]

One of my 2 day old silkie chicks looks not right this morning. It was in a corner of the box by itself; with one eye shut and not cheeping (although its beak was opening and closing). We have washed its eye which is now open and I need to know what else I can do for it.

 

[howfunkyisurchicken]

I'm going to ask a few questions since I'm not quite sure whats going on (probably why you haven't gotten any responses), sorry. So, the chick was acting lathargic and sitting in the corner this morning...check. You said you washed its eye, which is now open- was its eye crusted shut? Are your chicks bearded? I've noticed with bearded Silkies (especially good quality Silkies) that their beard fluff sometimes wanders into their eyes, which causes them to water, which causes them to crust over. I put a little water on my fingers and smoot the fluff away from their little eyes, or you could gently trim it. If that isn't the problem, then we'll need some more information. Such as:
-were your chicks shipped from a hatchery? If so, they are probably quite stressed. Vitamins, electrolytes or sugar water usually helps to perk them up. Also, some chicks don't automatically know what the food and water is and need to be taught (I've noticed this alot in my hatchery chicks). Since your babies are young, they should still be absorbing their yolk but it wouldn't hurt to dip their beaks and sprinkle a little food on a paper towel for them.
-how does the little ones poo look?
-is the temperature in your brooder suitable if you are brooding them?
-are there any signs of trama or any way possible the chick could have been injured (dropped, stepped on by a bigger chicken, being picked on by the other chicks)?

I know this isn't much help, but it would help us help you. There are so many variables with baby chicks, and the sad part is sometimes they just seem to have problems for no reason at all. I hope you figure it out and your baby gets better. Good luck!