Tiny Chick Won’t Stop Chirping

[Mightymouse87]

First time chick owner here. My son brought four chicks home from school that we’re “fostering” for a few weeks before sending them off to a more permanent home.

They’re about one week old, mixed breeds, and three seem to be in good health. One had curled toes when we got him (we fixed this with a cardboard boot), but he is about half the size of the others. He seems to be eating and drinking fine, but he is constantly chirping at a quiet volume, sounding uncomfortable but not distressed. When sleeping he’d often be off by himself while the others were huddled together.

Per the suggestion of a friend who grew up on a farm, we isolated the the little one today but not sure this is the right plan. He seems very lonely. We’ve but a stuffed animal in his box and tried a mirror for a bit to help him feel less alone (setup shown on picture; the small chick is in the box on the right).

Any suggestions?

 

[TheOddOneOut]

He’s likely chirping because he is alone and scared. It may be best to put another chick in with him. He may also be cold, hot, or in pain.

 

[TheOddOneOut]

It’s also possible that there is just something wrong with the poor baby. Sometimes chicks don’t form quite right and will be small and weak; possibly with defects (toes?) There’s a chance he may just pass at some point, but I certainly hope not. But it does happen, sadly.
You’re doing the very best you can for these little babies and that’s the most anyone could ask for. Keep it up!

 

[DLA]

As long as the chick is eating and drinking and poo is normal and there's no pasty butt or other obvious issues then that's a good sign. You could try a little brewers yeast with a little scrambled egg for a few days, see if you can get it to grow a bit if runty. I wouldn't separate for too long unless the others are bullying or there's an obvious illness.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

One had curled toes when we got him (we fixed this with a cardboard boot), but he is about half the size of the others. He seems to be eating and drinking fine, but he is constantly chirping at a quiet volume, sounding uncomfortable but not distressed. When sleeping he’d often be off by himself while the others were huddled together.

Per the suggestion of a friend who grew up on a farm, we isolated the the little one today but not sure this is the right plan. He seems very lonely. We’ve but a stuffed animal in his box and tried a mirror for a bit to help him feel less alone

The cardboard boot may be uncomfortable, you can try taping the toes flat. https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...s-with-tape-picture-tutorial-and-video.75247/
Another question would be are the toes Crooked or Curled? If Crooked, then taping or booting would be painful.

Give the chick 1/4 tablet B-Complex daily, this dissolved in a bit of water and mixed with her feed to make a mushy feed, or you can give her drops of the dissolved vitamin throughout the day.

Chirping a lot...could be loneliness, being cold, pasty butt, hungry/thirsty, uncomfortable, failure to thrive...

I understand separation, it sometimes need to be done to protect one that is week. If she's with the others does she stop chirping? Does she get bowled over, trampled or picked on by the others?
If she's ok while being with the others, then I'd let them all be together.

How warm is it on the warm side of the brooder (directly under the lamp)? Is the weaker chick getting enough heat or gravitate to the heat?

The side with the 3 chicks, the majority of poop looks to be away from the heat lamp, are they avoiding it?