How lethargic is too much? (New chick tender)

Chicku

In the Brooder
May 12, 2025
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Hey all! First, preface this by saying I did try a couple of searches but I don’t seem to be using the right keywords. I just know I’m not the only one asking this.

My chicks are 4 weeks old and the heat wave just broke a bit, so I put them outside rather than in my tiny laundry room. They got to play a little in the yard too. All shaded. Water to stand in. Yesterday after the excursion they were all sleepy. Today too but one seems to be continuing to be lethargic.

She does respond a little if I chat to her or pet her, or dip her beak so she drinks a little but otherwise she’s just snoozing continuously. I did try standing her up and she is able to stand, has coordination. Is not panting at all at the moment. (She’s in with me now, sitting on a towel over an ice pack.)

I’m not used to heat stress or what it can look like. How lethargic is too lethargic?? How can I test that?

Also feel free to link other posts too.
 

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Hey all! First, preface this by saying I did try a couple of searches but I don’t seem to be using the right keywords. I just know I’m not the only one asking this.

My chicks are 4 weeks old and the heat wave just broke a bit, so I put them outside rather than in my tiny laundry room. They got to play a little in the yard too. All shaded. Water to stand in. Yesterday after the excursion they were all sleepy. Today too but one seems to be continuing to be lethargic.

She does respond a little if I chat to her or pet her, or dip her beak so she drinks a little but otherwise she’s just snoozing continuously. I did try standing her up and she is able to stand, has coordination. Is not panting at all at the moment. (She’s in with me now, sitting on a towel over an ice pack.)

I’m not used to heat stress or what it can look like. How lethargic is too lethargic?? How can I test that?

Also feel free to link other posts too.
I'm sorry she's not doing very well.

What's her poop like? Photos.

Was she panting a lot when they were outside? Have the chicks been outside before?

What do you feed, including treats?

What's her crop like?

Have you treated for Coccidiosis? If not, then I may consider treating.

In the meantime, see if she will take drops of electrolytes to see if she will perk up.

You mention all are sleepy, but she's the worst? What temperature was it outside and can you post photos of the others?
 
Poop— she has only done one this afternoon. It dried out but you can see it. It was runny around the solid bit you see you can kind of see the white cast

-They were all panting-- but it seemed like a normal amount (they were all active, exploring a small pen, standing in the portion with hose water to cool off, eating and drinking at the time). They have been outside one before, however I introduced some regular yard dirt for dust bathing and interest at the end of the 2wk almost 3 wk old time.

Feed-- nutrena chick crumble, occasional grubs (everyone (6) gets to share a small handful 1x or 2x a day but I am not doing too much so they don't miss out on nutrition) they have also recently tried a cucumber and an apple-- just a few bite each.

Crop feels empty-- no swelling or discomfort that I can tell. She has not eaten much this afternoon and evening. Every time I have offered food though she has excitedly eaten a small portion and then snoozed again. I did already break out the electrolyte water (I have been sneaking water to her all afternoon) and a small drop of nutridrench as well.

They all took a nap in the afternoon when they came back to the brooder but the others all perked up and seem happy-- eating, peeping, jumping, drinking and standing in the brooder sized foot cooler i have set up.

I have not yet treated for Coccidiosis. I can pick up medicine for that tomorrow morning though.

I included a pic of the others hanging out but they’re looking like their usual selves
 

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Poop— she has only done one this afternoon. It dried out but you can see it. It was runny around the solid bit you see you can kind of see the white cast

-They were all panting-- but it seemed like a normal amount (they were all active, exploring a small pen, standing in the portion with hose water to cool off, eating and drinking at the time). They have been outside one before, however I introduced some regular yard dirt for dust bathing and interest at the end of the 2wk almost 3 wk old time.

Feed-- nutrena chick crumble, occasional grubs (everyone (6) gets to share a small handful 1x or 2x a day but I am not doing too much so they don't miss out on nutrition) they have also recently tried a cucumber and an apple-- just a few bite each.

Crop feels empty-- no swelling or discomfort that I can tell. She has not eaten much this afternoon and evening. Every time I have offered food though she has excitedly eaten a small portion and then snoozed again. I did already break out the electrolyte water (I have been sneaking water to her all afternoon) and a small drop of nutridrench as well.

They all took a nap in the afternoon when they came back to the brooder but the others all perked up and seem happy-- eating, peeping, jumping, drinking and standing in the brooder sized foot cooler i have set up.

I have not yet treated for Coccidiosis. I can pick up medicine for that tomorrow morning though.

I included a pic of the others hanging out but they’re looking like their usual selves
Everyone is acting o.k. except for her, she's isolating, lethargic and not doing well.

I think I'd treat for Coccidiosis. It won't hurt them.

Liquid Corid dose is 2tsp or Powdered Corid Dose is 1 1/2tsp per gallon of water given for 5-7 days as the only source of drinking water.
Do not add any extra vitamins/electrolytes that contain B1(Thiamine) to food or water during the course of treatment.
 
Thanks! I will try that starting tomorrow morning. And she can stay separate for now. Thank you for the help tonight! Super appreciate it.
 
Everyone is acting o.k. except for her, she's isolating, lethargic and not doing well.

I think I'd treat for Coccidiosis. It won't hurt them.

Liquid Corid dose is 2tsp or Powdered Corid Dose is 1 1/2tsp per gallon of water given for 5-7 days as the only source of drinking water.
Do not add any extra vitamins/electrolytes that contain B1(Thiamine) to food or water during the course of treatment.
I have another fresh poop. I was researching it after you suggested and I think n you’re right.
 

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