How to check if chick is eating

[Yoohis]

Hello, recently ive had a chick that wasnt eating or drinking. After a few days of force feeding/watering and helping them gain strength they've started drinking by themselves, ive seen them occasionally peck at food but im unsure if they're consuming it. I know you can check by feeling their crop but its a bit difficult for me to know what im feeling. Could anyone help me to the right direction? Thanks

 

[MysteryChicken]

Full crop for example.

Also, how old are the chicks?

 

[Yoohis]

Full crop for example.
View attachment 3139526View attachment 3139527
Also, how old are the chicks?

Hello the chick is around 4 days old, sadly he was the only one to hatch so im getting some more chicks very soon, thanks for the images

 

[azygous]

Chicks double in size each week. If your chick isn't eating, it will quickly fall behind the others in size.

A chick that isn't eating will be sleepy and inert.

If you have a kitchen food scale, weigh your chicks. Each day, they should register some additional weight from the preceding day. A chick not eating won't gain much weight, if at all.

 

[MysteryChicken]

Hello the chick is around 4 days old, sadly he was the only one to hatch so im getting some more chicks very soon, thanks for the images

Do you have a mirror? It's a trick to make them think they've got company, & will do better until buddies are added.

 

[Egg Blues]

He's probably not eating because he's alone. It's not exciting when there's no one to compete with for the tasty morsel. I have a lonesome one right now too, nearly the same age as yours. I just pamper it with some attention (human), and encourage it to eat from my hand. My chick LOVES cooked rice. I was surprised it could swallow the large grains (long rice) given its size, but it just gulps them down. It only pecks a little at the other feed I've given it--though it goes after some of the ants that wander its way. I'm hoping some companions for it will hatch in a few days from now--will see how many emerge. Shipped eggs. Very poor hatch rate.

 

[Yoohis]

Do you have a mirror? It's a trick to make them think they've got company, & will do better until buddies are added.

Yep i do

 

[Yoohis]

He's probably not eating because he's alone. It's not exciting when there's no one to compete with for the tasty morsel. I have a lonesome one right now too, nearly the same age as yours. I just pamper it with some attention (human), and encourage it to eat from my hand. My chick LOVES cooked rice. I was surprised it could swallow the large grains (long rice) given its size, but it just gulps them down. It only pecks a little at the other feed I've given it--though it goes after some of the ants that wander its way. I'm hoping some companions for it will hatch in a few days from now--will see how many emerge. Shipped eggs. Very poor hatch rate.

Yeah same situation, horrible hatch rate and he had a lot of problems when he hatched out so im doing the best i can while hes alone for now

 

[Yoohis]

I just force fed him so food because i couldnt feel his crop or see something similar like the photos, after feeding its still a little hard to know where it is but i think i know now, i dont think hes been eating ((

 

[Chicken poppy]

Do you have a mirror? It's a trick to make them think they've got company, & will do better until buddies are added.

That sounds sad Pretend they have friends to boost their ego!