update on lost chicks

[peepkeeper]

I posted on another thread about two of my 3 week old chicks disappearing. After more than 24 hours I found one! Huddled and miserable (it had rained overnight) and with a wing hanging down. The last chick is still unaccounted for. She's eating and drinking but still stands puffed out. what should I do about the wing? Any advice?

 

[dlhunicorn]

warm your bird up slowly... give warm (not hot) fluids...
as for the wing... wait a wee bit till you are sure your bird is not in shock and then examine that wing more carefully... you can bandage it into place then but for the time being separate the chick and get it warm and rehydrated first....

 

[peepkeeper]

I'm actually considering taking it to a vet, but would it do more harm than good to stress her further? Should I just let her alone to get her strength back? I hate to see that wing hanging. It's not broken or damaged that I can see, just held down.

 

[dlhunicorn]

if it is an avian vet (or one used to dealing with birds) he would indeed be able to tell you more on the wing...just if you transport the chick do it in a dark box (plenty of airholes for ventilation of course... nothing open to where it would stress out.... stress is a killer for birds (though poultry seem to be a bit hardier than a wild or cage bird)

 

[peepkeeper]

Thanks for the advice, I can't seem to find a vet that treats chickens.

Anyone know how to wrap up a hurt wing? I don't want to hurt her. I did try but she couldn't seem to balance, just toppled over, so I took it off.

 

[justusnak]

For her wing....just take an ace bandage, and wrap it in the normal pulled up position. Do not wrap the other wing, if possible, go under it. Dont wrap it too tight, just enough to keep it in place for a few days. Electrolytes in her water...and keep her warm. She should bounce right back.

 

[peepkeeper]

Oh, don't wrap the other wing. No wonder she was toppling over when she tried to walk.

Thanks. I'll give it a try. The wing is still hanging down but not dragging.