Little help with some chicks

[greathorse]

I just recieved some chicks via USPS they were quite late due some circumstances. These RIR chicks came from a breeder, there were some that seemed larger or older than others and they are doing great. A couple of the smaller ones are really struggling, they dont seem to want to eat or drink. They are very listless and lay on their sides when left alone. They are in a nice warm brooder.

I have given them water several times with a dropper and they seem to struggle to swallow and sort of gasp after. I have added some yogur to the water to give them a bit of nutrition as well.

I am not too sure what I could do in addition to what I am doing now. They seem very weak'

 

[Sunny Side Up]

Aww, I'm sorry for your little ones.

Perhaps a little chopped hard-boiled egg would help give them strength. Other folks recommend the baby liquid vitamins, Poly-Vi-Sol without iron. Maybe you shouldn't force drops down their throats, maybe add the vitamins to the egg.

Keep watch over this brood, you might want to separate the weaker ones or at least make a barricade across one end of the brooder box so the bigger/stronger ones don't trample the weak ones.

I wish you & them success!

 

[greathorse]

At this point I am just trying to get them strong enought to eat something. NO issues with trampling. I guess one of the biggest questions is if I allow drops to run into their mouth out of an eye dropper can they aspirate or is that only if it is in their nostrils.

Not sure these little guys are gonna get it done.

thanks for any input