worried about our chick

[LearningToFly]

We got three new chicks yesterday (and a duckling, but that's another story). My children chose them. Anyway, one of the chicks is smaller than the others, sleeps a lot more than the others, and has an unusual posture. Whether sitting or standing, her wings are away from her sides instead of flat like the other birds', sort of like she was trying to air out her 'armpits."

She is eating and drinking, but I am a little concerned.

Any ideas?

 

[dsqard]

Sounds like the chick might be getting a little too warm? I have a "runt" chick as well that I am keeping an eye on. I like to check to make sure s/he is getting enough food. The chick might be smaller than the others but it pushes it's way in for food and water and acts pretty normal. As long as your chick is eating, drinking and pooping well, I wouldn't be too concerned. I would watch the other chicks to see if they all start putting their wings out like that chick. I would guess then that your brooder is too warm. BTW from what I have read on here, as long as there is nothing wrong with the chick, the "runts" do eventually catch up in size with the other chicks.

 

[LearningToFly]

We do have a cool space in the brooder, but she gravitates toward the heat. Also, when we hold her or have her out of the brooder it's the same posture. She was like this when my daughter chose her at the feed store.

My concern isn't that she's small but that she seems weak and tired. She doesn't get up and move around like the other two chicks. My daughter is already very attached.

Can I give her cottage cheese or something?

 

[smallcitychick]

You might try a bit of yogurt on your finger, or pick her up and dip her beak in the water.

I had a small little girl that I was really worried about when I brought her home. She was doing exactly as you described. Laying flat, not moving around much, just laying under light. I was SURE she would be gone in the morning. I did everything I could for her the first day we brought her home. Checked on her all the time, dipped her beak in the water every time I checked her (she would throw her head back to drink, then flop back down), wouldn't let the kids (I have a 7, 5, and 2 year old) hold her, and tried to get some yogurt in her beak once. After 24 hours she's perked right up and now she's running around like the rest of them. You might also try either some chopped hard boiled egg or some scrambled eggs.

 

[LearningToFly]

Thanks. I have given her a little cottage cheese on my finger, used a qtip to sqab her beak... Like you, I expect her to be gone within hours. But I dearly hope she pulls through.

 

[smallcitychick]

Did she make it?

 

[Momoflilgs]

How is your chick doing? I have a similar situation and feel very helpless. I hope everything works out for you.

 

[cochinGurl]

is the chick pooping regularly? this sounds like the simptoms of when one of my chicks was consipated. all he did was sit around under the light with his wings out peeping realy loud. i got a tiny eye dropper and fed him some olive oil. within 2 minits, out came some poop! he was fine after that and is the lead roo in the flock. good luck with it!

 

[vjbakke]

We had one that acted this way yesterday. Sadly she didn't make it. I hope yours pulls through.

 

[LearningToFly]

Sadly, she didn't make it. She was my 12yo daughter's. My daughter is sad but says she is glad the chick died surrounded by love instead of getting trampled by a bunch of other chicks. We will have a funeral later today.

Thank you all for your advice and concern.