Our chicks, one not well.

[Dynahoe Dave]

We got 3 chicks Monday. [6 days ago] The first few days, one was smaller then the other 2, and I thought she wasn't doing well. The last day or 2, I noticed she has grown a lot, caught up to the larger of the 2 healthier ones. While at the same time, one of the previously healthy ones began to lag behind size wise, and now is unable to stand, or even hold her head in a normal position. I'm thinking she only has hours to live at most. I have no experience with chicks, but we have had a lot of pet bunnies, and I've seen a few fade before they went.

 

[TaylorHobbyFarms]

How old are the chicks and what is the temperature fluctuation in their brooder? What kind of feed are you giving them?

 

[Eggcessive]

Dip her beak into water to get her to drink, and offer her some finely chopped scrambled egg. The other chicks can help her with the egg. She could be cold or not getting enough to drink. If you have any chick electrolytes or warm gatorade or pedialyte you can offer that.

 

[upmycreek]

search poly-vi-sol in this forum or mix a little sugar and water and dot a little on the side of her beak so she doesn't aspirate. Sounds like it might need some extra nutrients/electrolytes as mentioned above.

 

[TheCuteBirds]

Is it dead yet?

 

[Dynahoe Dave]

Thank you for the suggestions! Sadly, she died around 1AM.
The remaining 2 seem well, even jumping around more.

They have the chick starter stuff we got with them from the hatchery. They have about 1-1/2 x 2-1/2 foot area to live in. One area has a heated floor, and a lamp - both on dimmers. They have been mostly hanging around in the lighted & heated area, but not huddle together. They now are moving around more to the room temperature area, but not avoiding the warmed area. They have the chick crumble feed, that kind of looks like sand. A regular chick waterer. The whole setup is in my heated garage, so the temperature is very stable. Radiant floor heat is very slow to change the temperature, it's been in the low 70s in the whole garage.