Is this wing droop?

[eggfooyoung]

I've had these chicks since 3/30 and one of them is teeny tiny and lethargic, and has been from the start. She's growing very slowly compared to the others, and she spends 90% of her time under the MHP while the others are all over the place, getting up on top of it, etc. She's also half the size of 2 of the others. I started giving her a drop of Nutridench twice a day and that seemed to perk her up a bit, but not enough. I also made some scrambled eggs for her and the rest but no one would eat it, even when I mixed it in with their food. I did see this little one eat a lot last night, but so far today, she's been under the heat every time I check on them, and this has been the same behavior from almost the start. She also will just stand in the same place under the brooder, motionless. She does this *a lot*. What I noticed last night though is her wings. I don't know if they're just growing too heavy for her in her (what seems like) weakened state, or if this is wing droop that is the predecessor to her dying that I've read about here and there. I'm new to chicks and chickens, so I'm unsure. Does this look like wing droop to you?

 

[azygous]

You'd best prepare yourself to lose this tiny chick. Since she isn't responding to the Nutri-drench, I suspect she has serious internal development issues that are preventing her from processing nutrients and producing body heat. This is why she isn't growing and is spending a lot of time under heat. She can't get warm.

Soon, if she hasn't already, she may develop constipation or diarrhea, and this will cause painful symptoms. If you notice her chirping madly while squatting to poop, you'll know it's causing pain.

Have you notified the people where you acquired the chick? Most have a replacement policy and will give you a healthy new chick if possible. Is this the Cream Legbar?

I think I described "failure-to-thrive" in one of your other threads. This is what's happening with your chick. It's not uncommon, but it is unfortunate for a first-timer to have to deal with one. It's tragic and sad and stressful, but you need to think about how you will deal with her not getting better.

 

[eggfooyoung]

You'd best prepare yourself to lose this tiny chick. Since she isn't responding to the Nutri-drench, I suspect she has serious internal development issues that are preventing her from processing nutrients and producing body heat. This is why she isn't growing and is spending a lot of time under heat. She can't get warm.

Soon, if she hasn't already, she may develop constipation or diarrhea, and this will cause painful symptoms. If you notice her chirping madly while squatting to poop, you'll know it's causing pain.

Have you notified the people where you acquired the chick? Most have a replacement policy and will give you a healthy new chick if possible. Is this the Cream Legbar?

I think I described "failure-to-thrive" in one of your other threads. This is what's happening with your chick. It's not uncommon, but it is unfortunate for a first-timer to have to deal with one. It's tragic and sad and stressful, but you need to think about how you will deal with her not getting better.

Well, I had hoped for the best because she did perk up and eat quite a lot last night, but she refuses to come out from under the heat, even to eat, unless provoked by me. I contacted the hatchery and she has no problem replacing her for me. I'm ok with the circle of life, but I'd rather not have my kids have to see it just yet. They completely know all about how their steak is cow and chicken is actually chicken, and we've had two cats die in the past two years, but first time out of the gate with chicks - I'd rather everything just go smoothly for them. We're scheduled to meet (the person from the hatchery) Thursday night so I can hand choose another chick. Just hoping this little one makes it until then! Thans @azygous - you've been more than helpful for me in my short time on these boards. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

 

[azygous]

I'm glad you'll be getting a replacement for the kids' sake.

Look at it this way. You're getting your learning curve over with on the front side, learning valuable things that will make keeping chickens easier as time progresses.

And you're a member in good standing of the best chicken support group there is in all the world. You can come back for help and support and friendship any time, and soon you will be helping other new chicken people.