Unexpected loss of chick

[HoneysuckleHomestead]

First, let me say that I am new to baby chicks, and never had to deal with this before.
I lost my first chick tonight. She was 4 weeks old, and didnt have any symptoms prior to this evening. I went to check on them before bed and noticed one little girl balled up in the corner, standing, but barely breathing. We went to pet her and she fell over to her side. My husband grabbed her up and tried to massage her and check her mouth. She kicked a few times, then green stuff came out of her mouth and a few bubbles. It looked like foliage, but they've only been fed purina starter crumbles and chick grit. After a short time, she quit breathing.
None of the others are showing any symptoms, and are still chirping, eating, and pooping like normal.
What could have happened to this little girl?! I'm heartbroken and dont want this to happen to any of the others.

 

[staceyj]

Oh that is sad !

Awww I’m so sorry. It’s always sad losing one.
It’s not uncommon though.

She may have had a crop impaction, a protozoan infection, bowel obstruction, parasites ...the list goes on!
Honestly it’s a miracle so many survive. Life is perilous for a chick.

If they are still ONLY eating starter feed and absolutely nothing else (nothing) they don’t need to have grit yet.
This is because when chicken feed is moistened it is soluble and easily digested without the aid of grit in the gizzard for grinding.

But they do need grit if they are out and about in the world, eating grass, scratching at the ground, or get any foods whatsoever that fall into the “treat” category.

 

[HoneysuckleHomestead]

Thanks for the information. I'm still a little upset, but I'd like to figure out what happened to her, so that I can be aware if any others start to show potential symptoms.