Special Needs Chick

[CoopsNPoops]

Has anyone decided to try to take care of a special needs chick? I know, I know.. Cull.. But the Veterinary passion in me said why not? Give him a chance. Just see if it can be done, ya know. Am i the only one crazy enough in here to try? Lol. I made him (it) a personal brooder box with the incubator. I have to hand water and feed him. He does seem to be improving as he started pecking today a little, and walking a bit better, dispite his crooked neck. If he ever makes a turn for the absolute worse, i will of course cull to keep him from suffering, but in the mean time... (don't judge me, lol)

 

[FoodFreedomNow]

Good for you! It would be helpful if you could describe, as fully as possible, the chick's physical challenges.

I personally believe in giving special needs animals a chance unless a poor quality of life is likely, or there's a problem that isn't reasonably addressable. I have a 5 year old Muscovy drake who is significantly visually impaired, and he's absolutely a fixture here.

 

[RoostersAreAwesome]

It sounds like he may have wry neck? It’s treatable with vitamin E.

 

[neo71665]

It sounds like he may have wry neck? It’s treatable with vitamin E.

That

I have treated many injured animals over my years but one that is gonna clearly suffer long term I put down. Guess growing up on a farm around animals has made me indifferent to the idea.

 

[CoopsNPoops]

Good for you! It would be helpful if you could describe, as fully as possible, the chick's physical challenges.

I personally believe in giving special needs animals a chance unless a poor quality of life is likely, or there's a problem that isn't reasonably addressable. I have a 5 year old Muscovy drake who is significantly visually impaired, and he's absolutely a fixture here.

Good for you! It would be helpful if you could describe, as fully as possible, the chick's physical challenges.

I personally believe in giving special needs animals a chance unless a poor quality of life is likely, or there's a problem that isn't reasonably addressable. I have a 5 year old Muscovy drake who is significantly visually impaired, and he's absolutely a fixture here.

I do believe it's wry neck, but i didn't do a whole lot of research on it. He was a late developer and had a hard time hatching. He was able to pip externally, but so long had went by with no progress and was starting to dry out. He looked to struggle to turn, but he couldn't move. He even started stuggling to breathe. Once out, his neck seemed to stay in the position it was in in the egg. Bent around to his side. He couldn't walk, or I'd say balance. He tried, but his depth perception and balance seemed off from looking back. A staggering drunk type walk. This is day 3 or so and he is walking much better and getting a better sense of which way hes supposed to go, except when he gets really excited or startled, then its mostly jumping. He is holding his neck a little straighter and hes starting to peck at things. If he does get a piece of chick starter in his mouth, he shakes it out. I have been hand feeding him wet mashed chick starter and alternating fresh egg yolk. Water as well. He prefers the think consistency of the egg yolk. Water chokes him most of the time. Almost like he can't swallow properly, but i know he's getting it because he's pooping ok. He does seem to get winded and breathes heavily after walking. That is starting to worry me. His choking and labored breathing. Oh, and he breathes out of his mouth instead of nose. Prolly why he chokes on water. I wont drag it out much longer if he doesn't improve to please me that he may have a good quality of life dispite.

 

[CoopsNPoops]

That

I have treated many injured animals over my years but one that is gonna clearly suffer long term I put down. Guess growing up on a farm around animals has made me indifferent to the idea.

Yes. I'm not against that option, and its still one. I will put him down if he deteriorates or doesn't keep making progress. I just wanted to give it a few days to see if he would improve with a bit of help and therapy.

 

[CoopsNPoops]

It sounds like he may have wry neck? It’s treatable with vitamin E.

I did look for some at Orschlens yesterday, as thats the only supply store around, but they didnt have any. Where else can i get some, or are there alternatives?

 

[CalBickieMomma]

I’m with you. I will ALWAYS try to help the little precious beans live/get better. It breaks my heart to see a baby chicken neglected and in need of some TLC. Good luck to you!

 

[RoostersAreAwesome]

I did look for some at Orschlens yesterday, as thats the only supply store around, but they didnt have any. Where else can i get some, or are there alternatives?

I don’t really know, but I do know that poultry nutri-drench contains vitamin E. It should be available at feed stores.

 

[CoopsNPoops]

I don’t really know, but I do know that poultry nutri-drench contains vitamin E. It should be available at feed stores.

Unfortunately all we had at our feed store was an electrolyte water suppliment it didn't contain vitamin E so i didnt even get it. The only thing within 40 miles of me tonight is a dollar general. I wander if i can use human vitamin e capsules or something. Or even pedialyte? Anyone know of anything that can be beneficial at dollar general?