Week Old Chick Breathing Problems

[klaranna belle]

Helol all,

I noticed, this morning, that one of my chicks was not acting quite right. She seemed to be swaying, forward and back, ever so slightly. As the day went on, she started opening her mouth at the same time and, now, she's emitting a sort of "squeeking" sound. It's not her normal chirp, which she still does if I pick her up. Any thoughts? I've (hopfully) added a link demonstrating the issue.

Thanks! She and her brood mates have been otherwise healthy.

 

[Eggcessive]

Could she have swallowed some pine shavings? How does her crop feel? Make sure that her vent is clear, and not pasted up. Is she eating or drinking at all? How warm is your brooder--what temperature?

 

[klaranna belle]

I've been wondering about the pine shavings, myself. The temp is right around 80, and they seem comfortable with that. I must plead ignorance with feeling the crop. I don't quite know what I'm feeling for, on this little chick. I compared to some of the others, and she may feel a bit swollen. She eats some but her appetite and energy seem to be decreasing. I've seen her drink, but not as much as I would like, today. I cleaned her vent, this morning. There was some pasting, in her down, but no blockage.

 

[Eggcessive]

The crop is in her right upper chest, and should feel soft with a little food inside. Some chicks will eat pine shavings and get a crop impaction which would feel hard. I would try to dip the chick's beak into some water with a tsp of sugar to a quart. If you have SaveAChick electrolytes that would be even better. Try to get the chick to drink as often, and as much as possible. Week old chicks need about 85-90 degrees F, so you might try her in a warmer spot in case she is cold. I hope you can figure out why she is peeping, but she seems very distressed.

 

[klaranna belle]

Thank you for the advice, I'll try the sugar and water. She is very distressed! If no change tomorrow, we'll be of to the vet!