I'm at a loss with what to do for this chick...

[JessicaS123]

This chick has definitely taken a turn for the worse. It's kind of given up today. I gave it vitamins, and I don't think theres much hope. Neither my husband nor I can cull this little chick. Just praying that it goes peacefully

 

[Mwewe]

Update. I did more digging/ research, if the chick was less than a week old and exhibiting these symptoms, it's more likely a vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency.

Kinda bummed nobody else helped with this.

 

[Mwewe]

He might have gotten worse since he was eating mostly egg yolk. It's not fortified the same way the chick starter is. I wouldn't give up yet. Just make sure it's getting vitamins.


I just gave my little thing it's 3rd dose and it began rolling back over on its own. I read that vitamin B1 deficiency is a better prognosis than vitamin E deficiency. Dose his water well as he hasn't had fortified food.

 

[JessicaS123]

I dosed his water yesterday and today he perked up quite a bit. Still isn't able to walk. He can stand if he's leaning against a wall. But as soon as he loses balance, he takes off running like a ping pong ball until he gets stuck on his side. I read the same things you did about vitamin deficiencies. I'm also surprised with the lack of response/ support. Maybe they're looking at this as a lost cause. Hopefully that's not the case.

 

[Mwewe]

Make sure he's able to drink the water. I've been dosing a little extra for the deficient chick and putting it a jar lid so I can hold it up to him and be certain that he's drinking.
Separate him from the other chicks. They might peck/ trample him.

The thread I started about my chick didn't get a response at all. I'm glad I at least was able to help out some with my newbie advice. Thank you google search!! If the chicks are 2-4 weeks it's generally vitamin E deficiency, if they're less than a week it's more likely Vitamin b1, just to make sure you're not going for straight vitamin E based off my earlier response.

 

[JessicaS123]

I've had this chick separated since we brought it home. And I hold it up to its water and food numerous times a day. It does drink and it does eat. Its had egg yolk along with the chick starter food. I've done PT exercises with it and bought specialty food and vitamins as well. Like I said, I feel like I've tried everything. I've google searched the same sites and asked people I know with chickens. Basically, they all say, "we've had chicks like that. We tried everything and they still didn't make it." I'm hoping to prove them wrong, but I also understand that this chick was the last to hatch, and had difficulty for a reason. And that in the "natural world", it would never have survived. So at least I know I've done what can so far, and I'm trying my best. But still 100% open to suggestions and will continue trying what I can!