Weak-looking chicks

[boisseau95]

We have 1 chick who hatched 4 days ago, on her own, but was small so was getting trampled by the mother. I removed her, tried to feed her watered down chick feed with a little syringe, and is now doing a lot better. However, we had another baby that hatched in our incubator that acted completely normal yesterday but is now acting weak and sick like the first one did! Is this normal behavior for little chicks? This is our first time raising chicks! I am also giving them a little vitamin solution a couple times a day. Please help!

 

[AlicesSilkies]

I have never hatched chicks myself, i usually get 2 day old ones, I once had one weakchick
1. put some sugar into lukewarm/tepid water so it dissolves (this should give the chick energy)
2. keep feeding that chick food in a syringe.
3.make sure the heat lamp is at the correct heat and that they are nice and warm together.
4.Good Luck

If you have any other questions pm me

Also

 

[boisseau95]

Thanks for the quick reply AlicesSilkies! Sadly, one of the chicks just died. Strangely, it was the one that seemed healthier and hatched yesterday. The other one that is 4 days old seems to be bouncing back. I wonder if I have the vitamin mix too strong and it killed the other one? It is one packet for 1 gallon of water BUT you have to mix a new batch DAILY. I used a small portion of a 1/4 tsp. to a glass of water. Not sure how to measure it! I used some of this in the mushy chick food mixture and added a little more water just to be sure it wasn't too strong. The chick that is still alive has really bonded with me and ate a couple of crumbs of food out of my hand. I hope that it learns to eat on its own though! I showed the water to her, and gently nudged her beak into it so she would know what it was (this is what I read to do) and poked at the food with my finger hoping she would peck at it.

I will try the sugar idea in a bit. The heat lamp seems to be right. She's not panting nor acting like she's cold. Hope she makes it! Thanks again.

 

[AlicesSilkies]

Oh no, i am so sorry to hear that

Keep doing what youre doing, and good job too!!
Update me soon

Ooh just a tip, try not to give the chick a name yet, otherwise you will get attatched to quickly...
Also i would get up every 3/4 hours in the night to check on her/him
Speak soon

 

[boisseau95]

Thanks for all your advice! I think she will be fine. Yesterday she started eating food on her own - at least that I witnessed. This morning I saw her drink from her waterer on her own. I haven't really named her but I am attached! However, I know that anything can happen when they are little!

 

[AlicesSilkies]

Glad to hear the good news!!

Good Luck and most importantly ENJOY!!!!

 

[boisseau95]

Thanks AlicesSilkies! Yes, we are enjoying her. We are going to get legbands for her and for the other chicks we have that hatched and are with the hen. I truly hope they are all hens! The last batch we had last year were mostly roosters and we had to butcher them because there were too many. We kept one but he is EVIL! He tries to attack me all the time!!!! Have a good night!

Charity