Is it possible I might lose this chick? :(

[ejducharme]

I have a chick that I received on Thursday, so they are 5 days old. She has been getting poop stuck on her bottom, so I've been cleaning her off as gently as I can with warm water and paper towels. I just cleaned her again, and while I was cleaning her bottom, she was fast asleep. Even through some painful swipes (I was trying to be careful) she was dead asleep. I held her for a while, thinking she might be traumatized, and she remained asleep. Yes, she's breathing, and not panting. I tried to put her next to the food and water thinking that she might like a bite to eat or something to drink, but she ran back to the end with the light (her eyes still closed) and fell asleep standing up when she came to a stop. Is she going to be my first fatality? All the chicks were fine the fist couple of days, I just noticed her sleeping most of the day today.

 

[chicmom]

It sounds like you are on top of the pasty butt situation. But it is unusual for a chick to be sleepy like that......can you give her some electrolites in her drinking water? Maybe feed her some with a dropper? Also, make sure she is nice and warm.

Good luck to you!

 

[rhoda_bruce]

I'm not sure, but if she is able to maintain a standing position and run away toward the light, it seems hopeful. I would say that if they start pecking, she might be a prime candidate for being the victim, so you might want to watch it.