sick chicks2

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Thanks to all who answered my first email. The chicks are 2 weeks old, and this afternoon, we lost one. Another doesn't look good, but the other two of four who have been isolatedare not so bad. Their vents are clean, but they are having a hard time breathing Lots of blinking too. I got some tetracycline and put it into all of the drinking water (even for the other seven birds who appear healthy for now). Anything else I can do? The two chicks who are feeling a little better keep stepping on the ailing chick--should I set up three brooders?

-- marcia friedman (marchick@f-p-d.com), March 09, 2002

Answers

What exactly are the symptoms of the most ill bird? I had some chick troubles at first - and we did lose one but- I hand watered and fed the other one and she made it! main thing was to get water into her - so I - ( took a cherry tomato - cut it in half - then made a dent into it and stirred up the pulp making mostly juice- then I took sugar and added it to water made sure that it dissolved and droppered it into the tomato - while holding the chick - I used a face cloth (soft old one) making sure she felt secure and cozy - I stuck her beek into the tomato allowing her to drink w/ ease! Now- I do not know exactly how much you care for your chicks - because most people think that Im nuts / excessive- as I continuedtod this method even though at times I really thought that it was useless- I did it for 2 days! then after the chick became a bit stronger on the second day - I fed it sugar water -watered down baby food! check the jars for the one with the most protien in it- such as- green beans etc. even the meat flavors are ok- get the early infant style it is almost mush to begin with -= main thing is to remember that the chick is weak and dehydrated- best bet is water with sugar - and either tomato or - I even used a green grape cut in half and made a depression in the meat for her to drink from- it takes patience - but - worth it later ! good luck.. let me know how it goes- melody passprtt1@attbi.com ps - the 2nd thing to reember is that the chicks MUST BE KEPT WARM! read up on that - you need a thermometor and a light for them - and enough space in their living area so that if they get too hot- they can move away from the heat - or that will kill them too!..

-- m mann (passportt1@attbi.com), March 10, 2002.

If your babies are cold.chilled,weak,better kick up heat or may loose them all.Unless babies have proven nightly hot source,don't set them outside,till feathers are in. I find the pellet soaked in water is much cheaper then mesh,for me. less waste too:-] if they keep spill water,soak ramen noodles at nighttime and take away water,so no danger of wet babies while you sleep. good luck

-- Dusty Rose (ourpinkroses@yahoo.com), March 10, 2002.

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