Newly arrived chick having problems...

[Chicks Galore3]

I just picked up my box of chicks from My Pet Chicken at the post office...YAY! 20 of the 22 arrived peeping and healthy...one died in transit, however. The other one is alive, but doesn't look very good. She is mostly just sitting there trying to sleep, not eating or drinking, and doesn't have very good balance. She keeps on falling backwards and is getting jostled by the others. What should I do? The others are eating and drinking (electrolytes in their water) and the temp seems good for them.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Supportive care is key if she is going to come around. The primary concern for now is hydration - a dehydrated bird shuts down. I would isolate her in a small container within the brooder so that she is still kept warm but is protected from further harm by her more active brooder-mates. Use a small syringe, eye dropper, etc to place drops of water (electrolyte solution is best, sugar in water second but plain water will work for now too) at the top of her beak so that she can take them in - this is to avoid inadvertently drowning the little one. If she is unable/unwilling to take the water from that point you will need to decide if you are up to the challenge of more invasive treatment - such as more forceful hydration......not everyone is prepared to deal with the risk of doing more harm than good, so if that possible outcome is one that would do damage to you personally I would not advise it. Nutrition is only going to become a concern if you manage to bring her round enough with hydration. Left to her own she will continue to decline until she passes.

 

[Chicks Galore3]

I managed to get her to drink some water by using a spoon to bring it right up to her beak, and after a few forced sips she actually took some on her own. Is there anything else I should do? How often should I make sure she drinks?

 

[Chicks Galore3]

She seems to be getting along alright... She is willingly drinking when I hold up a spoonful of water for her and she is being moving around a little bit. She is a little more alert, and I noticed that she only opens one eye. She doesn't seem to want to open up her right eye. It doesn't look like it is caked shut or anything...just like a normal closed eye. Should I try to open it or should I leave it alone?

 

[Chicks Galore3]

She is now eating and drinking by herself, and running and peeping with the best of them.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

She is now eating and drinking by herself, and running and peeping with the best of them.

That's great improvement - just keep an eye on her for the next few days.