Weak Chick

[Coffee N Chickens]

This one was the only one to hatch, and it had to be helped out of the egg on Monday, 2 days after it pipped. Yesterday I found it on its side and put it on its feet. It wobbled and seemed OK. This morning it was on its side again. I set it on its feet. A little bit ago, I went to clean the brooder and found it on its side with poop on its face and a poopy butt. (I bought 5 chicks so it would not be an only chick. They are healthy and much fatter and fluffier than this one has ever been.) I stuck its beak into water and it took a little bit, but just seems to be fading.

 

[Eggcessive]

Chicks who are helped out of a shell may be too weak or failure to thrive. A couple of drops of Poultry NutriDrench or Poultry Cell, or some electrolytes or sugar water might give a boost. Push the fluids by dipping it’s beak. Be sure to get it’s vent clean and open, and dab a little vaseline or oil onto it’s vent. Make sure that it is warm enough, but not overheated. I hope that you can save this chick.

 

[Coffee N Chickens]

I dipped its beak into water with electrolytes, but it didn't drink much. I also cleaned off its poopy butt. It is in a warm enclosure with a reptile undertank heating pad underneath it. It has never been as fat and fluffy as a normal chick. I did see it eating a few days ago.