Peeping sleepy chick

[akorte]

I have 8 1 week old bantam RIR i hatched myself (from shipped eggs). I started with 9, but about 4 days ago one died with no apparent cause. About 2 days ago I mixed then with bantam welsummers I bought from a hatchery. The next day, practically all the RIR (but none of the welsummers) got pasty butt. That cleared you pretty quickly. This morning one RIR chick was just doing an unhappy peep. So I picked him up and he went to sleep. I'd he dying? Is they anything I can do for him? He doesn't have pasty butt however I think he is peeping because he doesn't feel well.

 

[akorte]

I put him back in the brooder and I noticed he is smaller than his brothers and sisters. He immediately started peeping again.

 

[coach723]

Can you describe your brooder set up, and post pictures? Being too warm or too cool can contribute to pasty butt. They need a heat source they can move into and out of to regulate their temperature correctly. The smaller chick may be getting pushed away from food and water, and maybe the heat source as well. Constant peeping can be a sign of distress. I would immediately start giving that chick some electrolites in it's water via eye dropper or syringe every 20 minutes or so to make sure it's not dehydrated, just drip on the tip of the beak. You can also place a drop or two in the crease of your finger and dip it's beak in that. I would give as much as it will take every time. You can also mix some raw egg yolk in water and give it the same way. If the chick is dehydrated, then often getting them hydrated again will get them to start eating on their own. Here is a link to a post that may help you, sometimes they just need a little encouragement to keep going...https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...-chicks-to-survive-hope-it-is-helpful.367608/

 

[akorte]

Thanks! Working on

him now.

 

[akorte]

He's literally sleeping in my bosom.

 

[IdyllwildAcres]

He's literally sleeping in my bosom.

Good, nice warm spot. Keep her hydrated

Good luck

Gary

 

[coach723]

Best of luck to you, I hope it pulls through. I had one like this this spring and she's out with the flock at 19 weeks old now and you'd never know she'd struggled. In her case it took about 48 hours of attention to bring her around. Only other thing I would add is to watch for signs of coccidiosis. It's very common in brooders, and chicks are very susceptible, so watch for any abnormal droppings. It's easily treated with Corid (amprolium) if needed. If you suspect coccidiosis start treatment asap. Here is an article on that if needed: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/coccidiosis-how-to-treat-it.64386/
And here: http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2012/12/coccidiosis-what-backyard-chicken.html