New Chick Looks Really Bad

[Liamm_1]

I picked up 12 chicks from a local feed store Sunday. When we got them home, we noticed most looked ok, but 2 were not thriving. One of the 2 died within 24 hours, the second died last night. I'm still learning, but I'd reckon that if it doesn't thrive from the get go, something is wrong, and probably won't make it. Obviously I hope yours will be ok, just letting you know I just went through the same thing, trying to figure out what's wrong etc. Good luck!

 

[bayerchicks]

She didn't make it through the night

My kids are sad this morning. I don't know how they were able to tell she was missing from the bunch.

 

[easttxchick]

Sorry the chick didn't make it-there was just not anything you could have done.

for your kids.

 

[FuzzyButtsFarm]

BigDaddy'sGurl :

I'll be honest, when they get to that point, it's not very good. The only thing I could see you doing that I have tried and it may help would be (and keep in mind everyone else may disagree, but if it will probably die anyway at least you tried)to put it on a heating pad in a box where it can still get plenty of air and put the pad on low and leave it in a dark place for a while. Sometimes my chicks just get overwhelmed with stress and need a "nap" period where they can get away from the light and be warm: similar to roosting under mom. If you get desperate and nobody elses' advice helps, as a last resort try this. Also, if you do try it, put one of the other least active chicks with it so that it is not alone and maybe the company will keep it stimulated. Maybe put a thermometer in the box and check every ten minutes or so? I know hydration/feeding is important, but this baby is not going to eat or drink on its own and some times simply being way over stressed can kill chicks. My babies honestly have sometimes needed a "time out" like I described to recuperate from too much stimuli...but do NOT put more than one or two little ones with it and make sure the box is plenty big enough..shoebox would work...because if it is going down, other chicks will step on it and smother it...

Keep in mind, though, that if it suddenly starts chirping really loud, something is wrong and check it! You will know the difference in chick "murmurings" and their "something is flippin' wrong!!!" sounds...murmurings sound like...murmurings. Something wrong sounds like distress. Also, all the well meant attempts to feed and hydrate can exacerbate the situation sometimes because taking it out of the heat every few minutes to force feed it is sometimes not allowing it any time to re acclimate its' temp. Think of it like a baby...if a baby is sick and you mess with it every few minutes it will become more exhausted and ill. I am all for once an hour hydration, but don't just mess with it a lot...

No offense by anything I said, just trying to help!

Thanks for the info.

I have another hatch due 12/20 and if I have any more chicks with the same symptoms I will have my heating pad ready. Also the tip on giving it a buddy is great. They hate being alone.​

 

[Muggsmagee]

Quote:
Sorry you had to go through that.

To Big Daddy...I can comprehend what you mentioned about overstimulation and giving the chick a break...especially if the weak chick is over run by lots of brooder buddies. However, my understanding is that chickens absorb heat from their backs, not through their legs, so a heating pad wouldn't be the best source for heat.

I have gone through this several times with weak chicks. It is heartwrenching. At least you tried to save it.