New chick seems lethargic

[JanetRN1]

I received my chicks just Wednesday and when we first got home, I was a little worried about one. She was stumbling around, though active. But she just didn’t seem as steady as the others. Once she got some water with electrolytes and some food, and some heat, she perked up and was doing much better.
But this evening she seems withdrawn. She stays under the heat plate and when I get her, she’ll walk around a bit and eat and takes a few sips, but then right back under the plate. The others are joyfully exploring.
Is she too hot, too cold? I have them inside and the ambient room temp is about 70 degrees.
Am I worrying for no reason?

 

[rosemarythyme]

If you have Poultry Nutri-Drench on hand I'd offer her a few drops of that to perk her up. If not, mix some molasses or sugar with water to give her a quick energy boost to get her to eat and drink.

 

[JanetRN1]

Thank you! I can try that. How do I give it? A dropper?
I’m still giving electrolytes per the instructions on the packet I got with them, too. Is it too much?

 

[rosemarythyme]

Thank you! I can try that. How do I give it? A dropper?
I’m still giving electrolytes per the instructions on the packet I got with them, too. Is it too much?

A dropper works well if you know how to give it directly to the beak. Chickens can aspirate easily and chicks are so tiny, so what I try to do is aim a drop at the bottom beak (not at throat) and let the chick swallow from there. You can also mix it into their water, it won't hurt the chicks that are stronger.

Electrolytes the first few days to help with stress is fine. I'd discontinue use after that or reduce it to once a week under stressful situations, as it does have a lot of sodium.

 

[JanetRN1]

Thank you!!