Something's not right with my chick

[julz802]

I bought a day old chick from the feed store about a week and a half ago to buddy up with the white pekin duck I also bought the same day. They seem to love each other, and the duck is certainly thriving. However, I started noticing the chick becoming much less active. Whenever I come around, she'll peep but doesn't walk around. I brought them outside for a romp around the yard, and she just stays put. I've read that when they are very sick, they sometimes peep an "emergency" loud peep, but I haven't noticed anything like that. Her breathing seems a bit labored though. While I was cleaning their brooder, I set some food and sugar water right beside her. To my surprise, she did eat and drink and poop. A little later, she walked to be closer to the duck. I say "walked" but it was more like a pitiful limp, not favoring any foot over the other. So I was thinking maybe she is hurt somewhere, like a broken foot or something. Any suggestions appreciated. Thanks!

 

[gohappy]

Can you post so pictures? As many as you can take from all angles.

 

[julz802]

Here are some pics. The ground was a little damp from a small rain shower we had this morning so her bottom side is little moist. She seems to try to walk as little as possible and I’m noticing that she tends to rest on one side or the other, maybe not being able to balance well? She’ll start to tip and then right herself with her wing... but maybe that’s normal.

 

[julz802]

I wonder if her feet could possibly be hurt from moisture? The duck was making an awful mess with the water until I learned to put the water canister over a small paint bucket with a metal grate with small holes. Still gets messy but much more manageable

 

[azygous]

Have you checked this chick for pasty butt? What do its poops look like? Is it pooping at all?

How warm is it when you put them outside? Has the chick been drenched as the duck splashes in the water? If it got wet, did you warm it up and dry it under heat?

There are several reasons for your chick to be lethargic. Constipation caused by clogged vent, chilling caused by becoming wet and developing hypothermia, a vitamin deficiency causing poor balance and poor motor function, and last, failure-to-thrive syndrome.

 

[julz802]

After looking at the bottom of its feet and a google search I think it might be something wrong there. She is pooping big, bird-like poops so I think she’s ok there

 

[julz802]

Maybe bumble feet? Yuck