New Chicks Cant Stand Up? HELP!

[KadeSilkies21]

4 of our new chicks hatched yesterday and 1 of them looks fine but the rest don't! The first chicks is fine and going well but the other 3 are laying down, with their eyes closed and scrambling to try and stand up? The chicks feet go sideways while he is on his belly. I am using an infrared heat lamp in a cardboard box. They do have food and water. Only the good chick is eating and drinking. I have dipped their beaks in water but they dont seem to get it. Please help I am getting very worried about them.

 

[KadeSilkies21]

Somebody please help us we are very worried!

 

[sylviethecochin]

I think your most likely culprit is a lack of essential vitamins. Merck poultry vitamins. You can buy supplements at most local feed stores (including Walmart) and at pet stores that sell birds. Get low-iron supplements, and feed as soon as possible.

EDT: Also, pics would be helpful. Maybe someone has previously had what you have but won't recognise it until they see it.

And also, day-old chicks don't need to eat right now. Don't worry so much about that.

And also, good luck.

 

[blasterssen]

It can take a day or two for them to gather some strength.

Few days ago I've had the same problem with some newly hatched chicks. Maybe the cardboard is too slippery for them. Not all the chicks are equal. Put some paper towels on the floor.

I also put in their water Bragg's apple cider vinegar... and from Sav-A-Chick brand: vitamins, probiotics and electrolytes (from Southern States). And as food I give them once a day finely minced boiled/scrambled eggs.

My chicks are in top shape now. I wish you good luck with yours! Post some pictures.

Edit: One of my chicks was only able to take 2 steps at a time and sometimes he walked backwards. It took 3 days for him to act normal.

 

[chickens really]

From your own eggs?...

 

[pennyJo1960]

are they silkie chicks

 

[KadeSilkies21]

Sorry for the late reply. 2 out of the 4 chicks sadly did not make it but I believe the one with its legs out has splayed leg. I have done some research and have made a sort of leg brace so he keeps his legs in. Is anyone familiar with this treatment? Even after doing the leg brace thing the poor chick still could not stand up and was left lying down with his legs joined. Any ideas.

 

[KadeSilkies21]

And also, are 2 day old chicks able to be housed with shavings as the bedding? Thanks for all your help everyone.

 

[blasterssen]

I'm sorry to hear the bad news!

I've heard about the leg brace but I don't know much about it. I put pine shavings as bedding and for the first few days I will put paper towels on top of the shavings. It's better for their legs especially in your situation.

PS. And never use cedar shavings! Cedar can cause respiratory problems.

First day setup:

And after three more days I've brought their mom to stay with them: (long story)