•2 min read•from Raising Chickens or Other Poultry for Eggs, Meat, or as Pets
What to do for ill chick
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Welcome to the wild world of chicken care! It sounds like you've stepped into a cluck-tastic adventure, but dealing with ill chicks can be a bit overwhelming—especially for a newcomer. When you notice lethargy, sunken eyes, or crusty conditions, it’s essential to act fast. While it’s great that you’ve separated the sick ones from your flock, identifying the root cause is key. From potential respiratory issues to more serious concerns like bird flu, understanding the symptoms can help you navigate this tricky situation. In this guide, we’ll explore what you can do for your ailing chick, share tips on monitoring health, and provide some egg-citing advice on how to keep your feathered friends happy and healthy. Let’s get clucking!
I recently picked up some chicks and two older but not full grown hens from a local neighbor. The two bigger ones were in a coop. When we went to look at them there was one laying on the ground very lethargic. He took it out and put it in another area and told me the others were probably not letting it eat or drink. I am new to chickens so it seemed like a reasonable thing.
Within a few days one of the older hens had a goopy eye and was making a sound that sounded like a sneeze and was lethargic for a few days. She is doing better now. No goopy eye anymore and less sneezing.
However now one of the little chicks has sunken eyes that are crusty and it is extremely lethargic. How do I know if this is bird flu or not? What can (if anything) can I do for the chick?
They are separated from my coop and flock and I have been washing hands when going between their spaces to try and make sure the original flock doesn't get sick.
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#chickens#fear of chickens#bird behavior#chick#bird flu#lethargic#hens#sunken eyes#goopy eye#coop#flock#crusty#chicken care#sneezing#separated#symptoms#washing hands#treatment#eating#drinking