UPDATED: Brought a chick home today, she's VERY sick

[OlivesMama]

I got her this afternoon, and she's rapidly deteriorating. I believe she's just a few days old. She was fine when I brought her home, but then started chirping very loud. She ate and drank a little, but seemed lethargic. Now she can't move. I've tried to set her down and get her to eat or drink, but she tips over and stays there. Her eyes are closed most of the time and she just chirps unless I'm rubbing her. What would cause her to get so sick in a matter of hours? What can I do for her, other than make her comfortable? I do realize she probably won't make it...but what do I do?

 

[OlivesMama]

She's drinking water now if I put a drop on my finger and touch it to her beak. Her eyes are still closed and she won't take food, not even hard boiled egg yolk. I gave her a few drops of Poultry Drench and water with vitamins and electrolytes.

 

[littlecritters]

I am sorry that you are having this problem. I'm not sure what is wrong, but giving water with electrolytes or sugar is a good thing to do. Alternate with Nutri Drench and see what happens overnight. Keep the chick warm and in a non stress environment. I hope you see improvement in the morning.

 

[OlivesMama]

Thank you for your advice. I'm so new to this and this is our third batch of chicks in the last month. I suppose eventually you'll get one that's sick or doesn't make it. It makes me so sad to hear her loud peeping and not know what's wrong with her. I have her wrapped in a towel now with a heating pad on the lowest setting. She seems very content and warm. She finally pooped after hours of me holding her and nothing. I'll be setting her up in isolation so if she does have something communicable, the rest don't get it.

 

[OlivesMama]

She was quiet all night, then began to chirp loudly this morning. She's eating, drinking, and walking around! I am cautiously optimistic. It seems , but she had perked right up! She's still in isolation.

 

[littlecritters]

She was quiet all night, then began to chirp loudly this morning. She's eating, drinking, and walking around! I am cautiously optimistic. It seems , but she had perked right up! She's still in isolation.

I'm so glad. She may be on the mend. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.