Nearly DOA mail order chicks

[Crooked path]

Hello all, I'm in desperate need of immediate assistance. I just picked up some mail order Ayam Cemani chicks. To no fault of the seller, the USPS clearly played fetch with the box. There's feces falling out of the side air holes, 2 of 8 DOA, 1 died upon getting home, 2 are lethargic and barely alive. I attempted feeding water with a syringe. The chick I tried only aspirated it. The remaining 2 are now in the finishing incubator. Any advice on attempting to save them?

I eagerly await your response. Thanks!

 

[Lexiee's Chicks]

Is the 1 that aspirated still alive? Pediolyte (clear kind, without flavor) is recommended for lethargic chicks. There is also a recipe for the same thing with ingredients you probably have at home. How old are they?

 

[Windus]

I would just leave them be for a bit and let them warm up and settle.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Some molasses, sugar or agave nectar in the water will give them energy enough that they may begin eating.
I keep a bottle of Nutri-drench on hand that really helps shipped chicks recover from stress/lack of food and water. Some Tractor Supply's carry it.
http://www.nutridrench.com/

 

[Crooked path]

Well, that was fast. 2 passed and the 3rd recovered once in the incubator. The survivors are now in the brooding box eating, drinking, and sleeping. Thanks all for the quick replies! Should this happen again in the future I'll just be placing in the incubator.

 

[Crooked path]

Is the 1 that aspirated still alive? Pediolyte (clear kind, without flavor) is recommended for lethargic chicks. There is also a recipe for the same thing with ingredients you probably have at home. How old are they?

Unfortunately I think trying to force drinking killed it. That was the 1st to die. I squirted 1/2 ml and then hung upside down as it dripped out after realizing it hadn't swallowed... it died moments later

 

[Crooked path]

How agravating... I couldn't believe the obvious mishandling of the box. Beware the USPS!

 

[Lexiee's Chicks]

Unfortunately I think trying to force drinking killed it. That was the 1st to die. I squirted 1/2 ml and then hung upside down as it dripped out after realizing it hadn't swallowed... it died moments later

Atleast you were able to save the others.

 

[Crooked path]

Well, one of them anyway. 7 of them were 10 days old. Oddly, the survivor was the only 4 day old.
By that meaning of the 3 which were in trouble but alive. 3 were ok on arrival.

 

[Crooked path]

Lastly, I'd like to give a shout out to member Ayam onthe farm. His communication was great, very fairly priced, he sent 3 extra over what I purchased, thoughtfully packaged with heating pack, watering gel, and food. He also waited until they were 10 days old before shipping on all but one to help ensure survival rate.

I don't feel anything which went wrong was his problem.

I wouldn't hesitate to purchase from him again. Thanks Bob!