What to Do When Your Chick Gets Sick: Lessons from Our First Experience
This week we had our first experience with a sick chick — and unfortunately, the story didn’t end the way we hoped. Losing such a tiny life was hard, but it also taught me valuable lessons I want to share, in hopes it might help someone else going through the same thing.
Think you have a Sick Chick? Here are some Signs to Watch for.
Early on, we noticed our chick wasn’t acting quite right. Some of the warning signs included:
- Not moving much or isolating itself from the others
- Not eating or drinking
- Half-closed eyelids
- Staying under the heat plate while the others ran around
- Lying down or on its side
- Distressed, weak chirps
- Eye half or completely closed constantly, or they have crusty goop on eyes.
These are subtle at first, but they can progress quickly. With chicks, time truly matters.
Note: If your brooder has corners, chicks can huddle in those corners and smother each other.
My New Sick Chick Protocol
Looking back, there are a few things I would do differently and sooner:
- Warm the probiotic and electrolyte water slightly before offering it to the chicks. Cold water can be a shock to their tiny systems.
You can buy an electrolyte and probiotic powder to put in their water on Amazon. - Syringe-feed warm water immediately when a chick shows signs of illness. Dehydration can set in fast, and sometimes they need help getting those first drops down.
NOTE: Make sure when you are giving them water that you keep to the front of their beak, because getting water in their nose can cause them to aspirate. - Wrap them in warmth — a towel warmed in the dryer works wonders while you hold and feed them.
- Lower your heating plate or lamp. As always be careful with a heat lamp.
- Try gentle nutrition options if they refuse feed. Start with a bit of egg yolk; if that’s too thick or they won’t take it, try warm sugar water for a quick energy boost.
You can try Poultry Nutri-Drench, one drop for a chick once a day. Do not mix with with water.
A Gentle Reminder
If your chick becomes sick or injured during travel, please remember: it’s not your fault. Chicks are incredibly fragile, and sometimes even with the best care and quick action, things don’t turn out the way we hope. We can only do our best, offer them warmth and love, and trust that the rest lies in the hands of God.
Even in loss, there is learning — and gratitude for the little life that crossed our path, even if only for a short while.
Rooted and real, always learning as we go.
— Raye
New to owning Chickens?
Checkout this post Our First Year Raising Backyard Chickens.
