New to raising chicks and a three day old is acting strangely

[surger1]

Hey everyone!

Starting out, trying to do my best by my ladies I picked up 3 days ago. Tried to setup a brooder properly and follow instructions I read. But I'm having an issue suddenly with one of my chicks. I know they don't all make it but if I can help I really would like to.

Here is a video of what is happening:

She seems to be fairly fine apart from the weird breathing/throbbing? She is eating, pooping, drinking, moving. The poop looks pretty normal, maybe a bit thicker?

I did isolate her in her own brooder after this to be cautious. Gave some vitamins on one persons suggestion and am providing pedialyte on another suggestion

I'd love any other advice!

 

[coach723]

Some of them breath harder sometimes. If it's eating and drinking, getting around ok, pooping, then I would leave it with the others. Being separated can really stress them out, so I don't do it unless absolutely necessary. Make sure it's drinking well and if it seems constipated you can give it coconut oil to help things move. Freeze the oil til hard, break in tiny pieces, and feed to the chick. Make sure your brooder temps are correct and that they have plenty of room to move in and out of the heat source.

 

[surger1]

I was worried whether I was over stressing it putting it on its own. I'm worried it's "Avian Encephalomyelitis"

But I have no good reason to think it is besides my best guess. It does seem stressed about the isolation.

 

[coach723]

I don't think it's that, and it would be really early. If you picked them up 3 days ago they're probably not a week old yet. That would manifest with dull eyes, head and neck tremors, and progress to paralysis. I've had chicks breathe harder than others and grow up to be just fine. Honestly, I would let it be with others, and just keep an eye on it. Some chicks fail to thrive for unknown reasons, things inside just don't develop right, they don't grow like the others, don't absorb nutrients properly, those usually die in the first and second week. Not saying that's an issue here, just something to be aware of. Your chick appears to be moving ok, eating and drinking, so I would just watch. Keep an eye on droppings. Try not to stress too much, enjoy your babies. They are only little for a short time.

 

[surger1]

Thank you so much for the reassurance, it helps a lot.
I've moved them back. They seem more energetic there anyways.

I know I might lose her, it's a tough little lot they have. Hopefully she pulls through! I wanna give her the best shot she's got!

Thank you again!