We're losing her.... UPDATE 4-14

[Berritt]

Our Buff Orpington hasn't grown in a week. In fact, she lost weight. I started them on vitamin water and apple cider vinegar, and I finally separated her from the other three even though I had never seen her be pushed out of the way of the food or water, but what can it hurt?

Poor things called to each other for a half hour before quieting down

It was sad.

No vets around here see chickens. I called EVERYONE.


UPDATE-
She is still kicking. She was 7 1/4 oz forever. Over the last few days she went to 8 3/8 oz. Still nothing "normal" about her growth/size. But she hasn't died. Still acts like a chicken. Just very odd...

 

[HEChicken]

If I were you, I would not separate unless there is some sign that the others are causing her to decline. Chickens are very social creatures and need to be with others of their kind. Is she eating and drinking? I have one who I expected to be a "failure to thrive" story but although she was small and weak she struggled on and is now a non-laying 8-month-old who eventually did catch up in size to her sisters. I would keep her with the others but watch her closely to make sure she is getting enough to eat and drink. You might try scrambling and egg and giving that to them - and make sure she gets at least her share of it.

 

[Berritt]

Really? Even if she's just not thriving in there?

I am trying to see if she's pooping, and I am not sure she is. And her "area" is clear. I am not seeing any poops on the ground.

I'm so confused by her.

 

[redhen]

Can you put her by them..so she can see them..but not in with them?? You have to really seperate her for a short while to see if she is eating and pooping okay... put a stuffed animals in there with her..or a sock... something for her to cuddle with...

 

[redhen]

Also.. i never used vinegar with my chicks... not sure if she needs the vinegar right now...
Is she eating? make her a mash of warm food... wet chick feed with a raw egg mixed in with it..maybe add some warm cooked oatmeal and boiled/scrambled egg in there too... with a drop or 2 of vitamins??
She can also have pedilyte in her water..
sometimes i have added a small drop of honey to their tongues if they were very weak..sometimes it gives them the strength to eat...

 

[kateseidel]

Sorry to hear this. We had one of our 16 with what I'd call "failure to thrive". She simply did not grow. Started feathering out, but never got any bigger. I isolated her for 24 hours to make sure she was pooping and eating. At 2 weeks, she appears to have slipped a tendon, or it may just be a gentic defect, and one leg has twisted so it is very difficult for her to walk. I have kept her isolated with one other chick for a couple of days to see if it will improve, but it seems to be getting worse. We are planning to euthanize her tonight. It's no life for a chicken to be unable to walk, but I did not expect to have to face this already.

 

[Berritt]

That's where I am torn. She walks fine. I just caught her eating.... she is acting well other than the fact that she stopped growing. She has a TON of feathers.
I just don't know.... I will put a little toy in there with her for now.

 

[WoodlandWoman]

I would only separate a chick that was being bullied, to briefly check on what she is pooping or if she needed special conditions. Otherwise, I would have her in with the others. Stress lowers the immune system, so I try to prevent that as much as possible. She'll feel better in familiar surroundings, with her little flock. Are you able to keep her warm enough, in a separate brooder set-up?

 

[redhen]

yes..only seperate her for a little while...so you can see if shes pooping and eating good... then put her back in...

 

[Berritt]

She's pooping.

I put her back in with the others and they ALL seemed relieved. So sweet. I guess it's just a wait and see, now, isn't it?