Lethargic Chick

[swiggity_swarren]

Good morning, y'all,

I recently received mail order chicks this morning. Most are doing well, but I had two not doing so well.

I fed both sugar water with a dropper and stuck them in my incubator for isolation/warmth. One chick has perked up and looks like it will make it. The other was on the verge of death when I got it and couldn't stand and would splay out on its back when put down. Now it's standing/sitting and breathing steadily, but with its eyes closed. Any wisdom on how I should continue care. Is this a failure to thrive, or shipping stress?

 

[coach723]

At this point I would say shipping stress. Some of them don't survive it. Doing what you are doing, keep it warm, give it plenty of fluids, give it time and see if it rallies. I have on occasion put them in a neckerchief/scarf around my neck, like a tiny hammock, with them resting on my upper chest (adjusted so they can't fall out), so they feel my warmth and can hear me talking and humming, sometimes that will help give them the will to keep trying. You can also give some raw egg yolk mixed in warm water. I try to give fluids about every 20-30 minutes, room temperature to slightly warm, as much as they will take, then let them rest. Once it's strong enough to not get trampled by the others they often do better back with the other chicks. Good luck with it.