Lethargic Chick

[lilohi]

I also attached a video link Sick chick I just received my baby chicks in the mail and one of them seems pretty sick. I fed it some raw yolk and electrolyte water and after a while it started to close and open its mouth kinda like a hiccup. I’m not sure what to do now. Should I try feeding it some mashed up starter feed or just wait?

 

[lilohi]

View attachment 2507588View attachment 2507588I just received my baby chicks in the mail and one of them seems pretty sick. I fed it some raw yolk and electrolyte water and after a while it started to close and open its mouth kinda like a hiccup. I’m not sure what to do now. Should I try feeding it some mashed up starter feed or just wait?

It also spat out some water earlier and I’m really worried

 

[Isaac 0]

Unfortunately, it is fairly common to get lethargic chicks when shipping through mail, that can often be attributed to stress, temperature swings, or often hypoglycemia. The best thing you can do is keep them in a warm, stress-free area (make sure other chicks aren't pecking her), and attempt to get some nutrients and electrolytes inside her which you're already attempting.

Raw egg yolk is a great booster for chicks, but It would be best given cooked, and mashed up because as you saw with your chick, due to the sticky/slimy nature it can be easy for them to aspirate on the yolk. A poultry vitamin such as Poultry NutriDench is a wonderful product - for administering you can soak a cotton swab in the solution, and rub it on the side of her beak. Due to her dyspneic state, it is vital to give small amounts. It is often difficult to keep baby chicks alive in such a state so be prepared for the worst. Let us know how she does.

 

[lilohi]

Thank you for the advice! Hopefully it’ll help with any future chicks but sadly this one passed away a few hours ago.

 

[Isaac 0]

Thank you for the advice! Hopefully it’ll help with any future chicks but sadly this one passed away a few hours ago.

Very sorry for your loss.