Lethargic Baby Chick

[atvgirl0213]

I have 4 Plymouth Barred Rocks and 4 Production Reds that are about 6 weeks old. Everyone has been doing fine but when I went in to check on them this morning, one of my girls wasn't acting right. Usually they all get up and start peeping when I walk in but she didn't. She just layed cuddled up. (she is one of the bigger of the chicks so I don't think she is malnurished) When I picked her up she didn't make a fuss and just layed in may hands. She doesn't have any pasting and appears healthy otherwise but is not interested in food or water and doesn't want to move around. (she is one of the bigger of the chicks so I don't think she is malnurished) I separated her from the other chicks. I keep their area clean and they always have access to clean water and medicated chick feed. I examined her and her eyes are bright and she doesn't have any wounds. Her feet are normal. Any ideas what could be wrong with her or suggestions that I could do for her?

 

[Ridgerunner]

Is her crop impacted? Does it feel hard and stuffed or empty, soft, and squishy? Has she had access to grit?

I she fluffed and hunched up or does she look normal other than lethargic?

Has anything changed in feed, temperature, bedding? Have you recently let them outside for the first time? Maybe offered them a new treat?

You might try feeding her some high energy drink with a medicine dropper. If you have special stuff, that's fine, but dissolved sugar in water or maybe hummingbird syrup if you have that. The idea is to get some liquid in her so she does not dehydrate and give her some energy so she feels like eating and drinking. I'd suggest wrapping her in a towel to keep her calmer and putting a drop or two at a time in her beak. See if she tries to swallow it.

Good luck. These can be difficult.

 

[atvgirl0213]

I haven't change anything except the litter (which I change every couple days). Its just crushed corn cobs. I disinfect their water dishes and food containers often. They have not been outside yet and I don't give them grit or treats.

She doesn't appear to be distressed, she is laying like she would if she were sleeping.

Thank you for your suggestions!

 

[atvgirl0213]

UPDATE When I got home today, she was standing up but it doesn't look like she drank or ate too much. There were some droppings that are semi hard. When I picked her up, she put up a little fuss. Upon placing her back in the crate, I tried to get her to drink but she wasn't interested. She pooed again but it was pretty mushy but not runny and was a brownish color but was surrounded by an egg white lookling substance.