Need help quick!! Hopefully someone is awake.

[emsdial911]

Just found one of my chicks who is not quiet as strong or active as the others. When I pick her she wakes up but just sits there. I have given her water and showed her where the food is again. She is 3 days, what can I do to help her. She doesn't seem sick I just don't think she has eaten or drank anything.

 

[JAHVREM]

separate her from the others. if sheis weak she will get knocked down and trampled. encourage food and water, maybe some electrolyte water or water with a little sugar, keep her warm, not much else you can do.

 

[big red chicken]

There can be several things that can be wrong.......temp. make sure the chicks are not too hot or cold...........I was told sugar water boost their energy when first hatch. I don't know if that will work now that it is 3 days old. Have u had anyother to die?

 

[Sunny Side Up]

I favor putting a spoonful of sugar in my chicks' water, especially at the start and/or when someone seems weak. I also am a big fan of minced cooked egg for new baby chicks, especially when they act puny. The best you can do is make sure this chick has the optimal conditions, warmth, water & food. Make sure the others aren't picking on this one while it's weak.

I pray this chick will get stronger

 

[melodie_a]

they say to give poly-vi-sol without iron, or TSC has packets of Chick saver I think. I am new to chicks so that is all the advise I have heard. Hope she gets better.

 

[countrychix]

Have you tried giving her water by eye dropper? Give her only one drop at a time at the edge of her beak as it is easy to drown them. You may need an extra set of hands to gently pry her beak open with. Do you have any poly-vi-sol w/o iron vitamins? You could try giving her a drop or two of this. Sorry I don't know what else to suggest. Hope she makes it.

 

[Missouri Chicken Chick]

Poly-Vi-Sol without iron also works really well if you have any. I definitely agree with the sugar water for the little one. Unflavored Pedialite works really well, too. If you separate it from the others, make sure it stays warm enough. I have had this problem with the last group of chicks I hatched out as well as the latest group of chicks that were shipped. I did my best to help, but I did lose a few.

We do what we can and cross our fingers...

 

[AliciaC]

Ha! I knew the answer to this one! I'm learning... sugar water.. temp.. and a lil personal time. If the poor kid wont drink on her own maybe dip a q-tip in the sugar water and hold it to her beak. Now I'm off to track down some poop bottom suggestions. Good luck, I hope she perks up quick

 

[drumstick diva]

Get some Polyvisol infant vitamin drops (NO IRON), Walmart has it and other drugstores. Give the chick a drop 3 x a day, it is good for weak chicks and can make a difference IF they don't have some major health/congenital defects going on. Do you show her where the food/water is? You can tap your finger there - imitating how a broody hen would show her chicks. Have you dipped her beak gently into the water to show her what it is? Try mashing a boiled egg yolk and mixing in a little water to make it softer - see if she will take some off your finger tip. Try a little plain yogurt also. Don't go overboard on sugar added to water - too much can give the runs. Have you checked that she doesn't have pasty butt.

I'm unclear if she was hatched at your place or shipped. Shipping stress can slow down any chick - and it could take days for them to come around. Separate her as others have said. Get her a mirror, so she thinks she has company., a little "stuffed animal lovey' to cuddle with, maybe a small box with entrance hole cut for her - as some like to rest up in darkness.

I do hope she improves and we hear good new from you.

 

[emsdial911]

Thanks all, I have never had unhealthy or weak chicks out of 43. I will try the sugar water see if that helps. Temps are fine and when I dip her beak she does dring but I am not sure about eating. Hopefully the sugarwater will help.