How long should I try and save a baby chick?

[mikgub]

Hi all You've always been such a great source of information and wisdom. Here I am again with another question. This time I'm more asking for the opinions of more experienced chicken owners than look for a particular suggestion (although those are welcome, too).

We had a broody hen hatch 10 chicks last Sunday (It was actually the same hen that used to lay her eggs on our front porch chairs. She's my profile picture.), but one chick was obviously not thriving. The first day, one of his feet was very swollen, but that has gone down now. He (I don't know why, but the chick strikes me as a he) wouldn't stand or walk.

Tuesday morning, after reading through multiple forum threads and diagnosing him (in part) with splayed leg, we brought him in. We've splinted his leg to the other with a pipe cleaner and have been putting him in a small tea cup regularly to force him to stand. We've given him starter crumbles, scrambled egg, and a homemade electrolyte solution. We've noticed a lot of progress! He can now stand to drink/peck at crumbles and is eating and drinking much better.

Despite the progress, he is still very small and weak. He still can barely walk and is often just laying flat on the brooder floor (when not in the cup). His brothers and sisters are quite a bit bigger at this point while he still looks like a 1-2 day-old chick. I'm willing to keep trying if there's hope. But if he's not likely to improve at this point, we don't want to drag things out any further for his sake.

Any thoughts? It may not technically be "worth" our effort, but we're willing to give it if there's a decent chance he could recover. I have three very willing nursemaids (children) and the time to take care of him for now.

 

[Zwillingsmama]

If you have the time and your kids are willing to help and are aware that sometimes despite our best efforts the outcome is questionable give him a shot, he seems like a fighter - best of luck

 

[lazy gardener]

If I were facing this situation and wanted to give it my best shot, I'd remove the smallest chick from the broody's clutch and bring it in to be a buddy for this little guy. A buddy might give him the encouragement to get up and get moving.

If you've not yet given him Poultry Nutri Drench, please do so. You can put some in his water every day, about 1 dropper full per qt. of water. Be sure to mix up fresh every day.

However, even when giving your all, some chicks simply fail to thrive. There is no wrong or right decision here. You must do what works for you. You've given it a week, and he's not progressed to the point where he is even functional. So, culling is also a valid option.

 

[Folly's place]

x2. Some chicks have more problems than are apparent on the outside, and aren't going to live, or live well. We call them 'failure to thrive' chicks, because full necropsies and histopath. reports aren't done, so we don't know exactly what's ailing them.
It's not about it being worth it, it's about his ability to have a good life at all.
When you've really tried, and aren't getting good improvement, it's very reasonable, and kind, to stop.
Mary

 

[True Patriot]

I agree with the others. Once you have done all you can and nothing is working in the chicks favor a decision has to be made. Sometimes mercy is the right choice. As far as when to make that choice, no one can say. It depends on each individual circumstances. I may make the choice sooner than others, with my work schedule I can't dedicate as much time to special needs. I also view my chickens as stock not pets. As you can see my decision would most likely be different than yours. All I can say is, if you truly feel that you've done all you can without success, it may be the time. Ask yourself honestly, if the chick survives what kind of life will it have? Usually the answer is in that question. I'm sorry you have to deal with this, and wish you the best of luck.

 

[chickengeorgeto]

Let me play Devil's Advocate.

If you take the time and make the effort to get this chick up and running so to speak, are you also then willing to breed him or her with the understand that any of the chicks that you hatch out of this bird will likely require the same level of babbying? If your answer is no then I think that you already know what my recommendation is in this matter.

This chick is your property and as such you should do with it as you see fit. No on on this forum (myself included) is qualified to advise you in this matter.