How can I help my chicks?

[mamaj323]

We just got our chicks from the post. 3 of the sixteen are very week. One just lays there and arches her neck with her eyes closed. They peep when held. I have gotten them all to drink a few dros of sugar water and am boiling an egg now to try and get them some protein. I have them separate from the others (just in the box they came in but in the same brooder). But do any of you guys have some tricks up your sleeves? I really want to help these poor babies. Thanks in advance!

 

[Wyandottes7]

Continue giving them sugar water, and certainly try giving some hard boiled egg. If they won't eat a hard boiled egg, try some raw egg yolk (this is fine to give to chickens). You could also try giving some moistened feed mixed with sugar water. Make sure that they are warm enough (the temperature in their box should be about 95 degrees). Sorry I can't be more helpful! I hope your chicks survive.

 

[mamaj323]

Thanks! I'll try those. They seem to have a little more life in them already but they are very weak. I worry about putting water in with them since they can't stand. How often should I hand water them?

 

[BantamLover21]

Thanks! I'll try those. They seem to have a little more life in them already but they are very weak. I worry about putting water in with them since they can't stand. How often should I hand water them?

As often as you want to/have time for, but no more than once every 15 minutes and no less than every few hours. Continue giving them sugar water until they either pass or are over to eat on their own. Good luck!

 

[Eggcessive]

Hold them up to the water and dip their beaks in it, then give them time to swallow. Liquid is more important than food. You can moisten the food with water into a paste. Also sprinkle the food around on paper towels for the fisrt day or two. Electrolytes in the water may hep since they are very stressed shipping. Here is a recipe(scroll down the page after clicking here): http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2012/07/chicken-heat-stress-dehydration-and.html

 

[mamaj323]

Thank you guys! I'll keep you posted.

 

[mamaj323]

UPDATE: We lost one yesterday. I was up all night trying to help the other two. I was sure they'd be gone by morning. When the were still fighting I sent hubby out for Poly Vi Sol and Vitamin E. I gave them both a few drops of each and then can in to look up a humane way to euthanize them as they seemed so weak. When I went out an hour or so later both were standing up!!! I gave them some water and made a mixture of cooked egg yolk, probiotics and electrolytes and used a syringe to force feed them a few drops. I'm feeling hopeful again! Does anyone know how much is too much on the PVS?

 

[Eggcessive]

Most recommend 1-2 drops for baby chicks, and 2-3 drops for older birds. There are Save-A-Chick vitamins at the feed store for the water. Some electrolytes have vitamins, so watch out not to O.D. them. Glad they are better.