Nursing Chick

[CrazyHatchingLady]

I had 2 three old chicks I was nursing. One of them I had no choice but to cull this evening. Hardest thing I have ever done in my life. Well the second one is doing well and eating and drinking but the only way I can get it to eat or drink anything is by it eating off my finger or out of a syringe. I made food soft and mixed in sugar free apple sause and it can't seem to get enough now. However I have shown him over and over where to find food and water but the only wau he will take it is in the syringe. Please tell me he will grow out of this the stronger he gets.

 

[Kiki]

I'm sorry you are having trouble with them and sorry to hear you had to cull one.

What is 'wrong' with them?
Are they just not eating and drinking?
Are they up and moving around?

What is the temp in your brooder?

 

[SeaPolka]

I'm sorry you are having trouble with them and sorry to hear you had to cull one.

What is 'wrong' with them?
Are they just not eating and drinking?
Are they up and moving around?

What is the temp in your brooder?

Yes answers to these questions please.

The chick will know where the food and water is once you've shown them, they remember. He would probably also benefit from a brood mate once we've figured out what's going on. Is there anything physically wrong with him? Any watery poop? Discharge from his nose or eyes? I would guess coccidiosis but there's lots of things out there. I've just dealt with that and it took me a while to sort out. Sorry for your loss ):

 

[Teila]

G’Day from down under CrazyHatchingLady Welcome!

I too am very sorry to hear of your loss. I have no experience raising baby chicks myself as my mumma hens usually do all the work for me but you will get some great advice from experienced members.

You might want to check out the Raising Baby Chicks Forum and I wish you and your little one all the best.

I also hope you enjoy being a BYC member. There are lots of friendly and very helpful folks here so not only is it overflowing with useful information it is also a great place to make friends and have some fun.

Personally, I have found the Topic of the Week articles a great resource and a one stop shop for questions which may have already been discussed within the BYC membership group.

 

[drumstick diva]

How about putting the food in a shallow dish right in front of the chick. Continue to let him eat off your finger. As you slowly lower your finger more and more into the feed dish. He will have to aim lower to get some and will 'accidentally' get his beak into the food without your finger. Worth trying.

 

[CrazyHatchingLady]

I'm sorry you are having trouble with them and sorry to hear you had to cull one.

What is 'wrong' with them?
Are they just not eating and drinking?
Are they up and moving around?

What is the temp in your brooder?

He is up moving around he was born with curled toes. Those have been treated to the point he can get around he hobbiles and get where he was going but when booted he couldn't get around at all. He is crying everytime he wants food and water.

 

[CrazyHatchingLady]

G’Day from down under CrazyHatchingLady Welcome!

I too am very sorry to hear of your loss. I have no experience raising baby chicks myself as my mumma hens usually do all the work for me but you will get some great advice from experienced members.

You might want to check out the Raising Baby Chicks Forum and I wish you and your little one all the best.

I also hope you enjoy being a BYC member. There are lots of friendly and very helpful folks here so not only is it overflowing with useful information it is also a great place to make friends and have some fun.

Personally, I have found the Topic of the Week articles a great resource and a one stop shop for questions which may have already been discussed within the BYC membership group.

Hello and thank you. Usually every web search I do takes me to most posts where I can get info but this is one beyound me.

 

[CrazyHatchingLady]

How about putting the food in a shallow dish right in front of the chick. Continue to let him eat off your finger. As you slowly lower your finger more and more into the feed dish. He will have to aim lower to get some and will 'accidentally' get his beak into the food without your finger. Worth trying.

Yeah I tried that one too but he stares at me like he is waiting. Maybe best option is to give him less and less till he dunks down to try it on his own. Its like feeding your child food for the first time you can't get it fast enough for them. I am should be grateful I guess he is eating and going to the bathroom at every feeding. Maybe by time the electrolytes and food work it's way into his system he will get stronger and not need me anymore.

 

[Kiki]

Do you have Nutri-Drench on hand or can you pick some up asap?

 

[CrazyHatchingLady]

Do you have Nutri-Drench on hand or can you pick some up asap?

No I don't I don't even know what it is.
And our local feed store is closed.