Weak chick

[myfivegirls]

I just got my Cornish Rock chicks today, and one of them is very weak, in that, it can't stand up on its own. I searched on here to try to find out what's wrong, but I can't figure it out. Instead of standing on its feet, it leans to its one side and rests on its legs unlike the other chicks. Instead of placing its weight on its feet, it kind of "sits" on its "knees" - where the legs connect to its body. If its not leaning on something, it tends to fall over backwards or to its side. It's obviously the runt, as it isn't as fluffy and is smaller than the others. We've been feeding it sugar water with an eye dropper, but it doesn't want to eat any of the starter. We've tried putting the food on tooth picks and other small things, but it doesn't eat it. It's separated from the other chicks so they don't trample it and it doesn't fall in the water. My other concern is that it can't drink or eat on its own (and I'd have to feed it during the night), plus has no way of moving away from the light if its too hot.

I thougt it might have spraddle, but the bandaid doesn't seem to help at all. So, thought I'd see if someone knows what's wrong.
Thanks for your help.

 

[chickerdoodle]

Water is more urgent than feed so you need to be sure he/she gets that. You can add some multivitamins and electrolytes to some water to give him slowly--if he aspirates its all over for him. If you can get him to takes scrambled eggs or the yolk of a hard boiled egg chopped up may help get him started. If he has spraddled legs most use a band-aid cut in half to help. Be sure he has a textured surface to grip like paper towels or regular towels in a small box (it'll keep him nice and warm too). Put a thermometer right where he will stay to see that its 95 degrees and that the temp is stable (check it every half hour for a few hours to be sure its not changing). You can tuck in an extra towel or small plush toy in the corner for something cushy he can lean on as well. I wish you luck in helping the little one.

 

[debilorrah]

Pedialyte in the water, polyvisol (baby vitamins in the baby aisle), a bit of sugar in the water. Please keep in mind that sometimes they are just not meant to make it. On the other hand, saving one makes it a very special chick!!!!

 

[chickerdoodle]

Did the little one make it?