Newbie...but have read alot...3 new chicks one sleeps alot.

[LIchicken001]

Okay, I've made it past the delivery day. Ordered 5 but 2 were gone (sad) and one was very weak. After getting them into the brooder the weak one seemed much better. I put her beak in the waterer and she drank, I really haven't seen her eat. This is day three, I don't see her taking any water so I dip her beak and she drinks, I really haven't seen her eating. But she loves to sleep...The other two chicks seem to pick on her when she is sleeping. I have put her in her own small compartment so she can get a good days sleep. My question is, how much is too much sleep. She sleeps more than the others but she was weaker too. I'm afraid she's not getting enough food and water. Also, How much ACV should I put in a quart size waterer? Thanks in advance.

 

[ninejw]

All chicks should be fairly active although they do rest here and there during the day. If she behaves differently than the other chicks ie more inactive w/ closed eyes she is sick and to me that is what it sounds like. Good move separating her if she is getting picked on. Make sure to keep her warm and draft free with a heat lamp. I might choose one chick that does not pick on her if you have one and put them in together so the healthy chick can be an example to the sick one on how to eat etc. They like the company too. I would try to put the food on the bottom of the cage so that the chick can walk on it and feel the food they are more likely to eat it that way. Try not to get the food dirty with poop lol this requires frequent liner changing. I line them bottom of my "hospital" containers with paper towels so you can see the type of poop whether it's diarrhea or if the chick may not be pooping. Also, I treat with an electrolyte/ vitamin mix in water and also probiotics in food. You can also mix a little plain non flavored yogurt with the chick feed and they love to eat it and it gets the good bacteria in them that way. You can also try feeding them mashed hard boiled eggs. Sometimes you might have to try to get food or water in them by feeding it to them if they will take it from you. I had similar chick once that I had to do that for he pulled through and is my friendliest pet Roo now. I would try all that stuff then go monitor the poop and see if she has diarrhea then maybe coccidia is a factor etc. Is she on medicated feed? Probably 1 tsp of ASV will work per quart.

 

[SmartyChick]

I would give the weak one some liquid baby vitamins, I pretty sure it's called Trivisol, and you could buy it at a pharmacy. You could squirt a little in her peak or add it to her water. I might perk her up.

sorry about your lost ones, it's always hard, and hope you little weak chick pulls through. You might have to raise her separately as a last resort if she doesn't improve or the others keep picking on her.

 

[LIchicken001]

Thanks, Yes she's on medicated starter. And the funny thing is that when she's up she seems fine...but always trying to get some extra zzzz. I love this board.