Lethargic chick, not eating

[MangoCrow]

Noticed today that one if my chicks (5 days old) isn’t eating or running around like the others. She seems very lethargic and mostly just sits under the heat lamp and sleeps, as well as being weaker than the others. I’ve seen her drink a bit but she doesn’t have much interest in food. She seemed fine yesterday, but her crop is empty now. I’ve been holding her and warming her up in case she was cold, but she hasn’t really perked up. However, she’s still making contented sounds. Should I try hand feeding her? If so, what would be good to get her energy up quickly?

 

[FarmerGirl101]

If you have electrolytes and liquid vitamins (poultry cell or nutridrench) on hand I've give her some. Sugar water or honey water is a good way to give some quick energy given it is a simple carb. You can try giving her something like scrambled egg but I'm not sure if she'll eat it. I tend to give them a mash of their regular feed.

 

[MangoCrow]

Thanks! I’m not sure if I have liquid vitamins, might have some lying around somewhere. In the mean time I’ll try sugar water and hope that gives her some energy.

 

[FarmerGirl101]

I definitely recommend getting some next time you are at the feed store. It is a great thing to have on hand and I use it often with chicks and when my older ones are sick. Hopefully it does! Keeping her warm is also important which it sounds like you are doing that.

 

[MangoCrow]

I’m hoping I might have some stashed away, I know I’ve used it in the past. Just gotta figure out where

 

[FarmerGirl101]

Hopefully you can find it. It wouldn't be a bad idea to also give it to the other chicks in the brooder. It gives them a good support for their first few days of life.