01-12-2015, 11:47 PM
Weakness in chicks may be due to transport stress, bad management, illness and a bunch of other reasons. A weak chick will often not eat or drink and there are several ways to help them recover. Let’s look at them.
Maintain Optimal Temperature: The temperature under the brooder heater should be 95oF (35oC). Weak chicks may not have the strength to find the warmest spot by themselves. So pick them and place them under the brooder. Also make sure that there is no draught. If there is draught, the chicks will move away from its path as shown in the image below.
![[Image: chicks-distribution-base-on-temperature.jpg]](http://farmersjoint.com/blog/images/chicks-distribution-base-on-temperature.jpg)
Check for Pasting: Pasting occurs when dry droppings seals the chicks vent and prevent it from passing out droppings. This condition has to be treated immediately. You have to constantly check your chicks for any sign of pasting.
To remove pasting, first use a warm, wet towel to soak it before removing. The chick must not get too cold during the process else the pasting will reoccur.
Give Sugar Solution: If the weak chick is free from the 2 problems already discussed, try giving it few drops of sugar solution. The sugar solution will give the weak chick a boost of energy and hopefully, it will start to eat and drink. But note that you shouldn’t give sugar solution for a long time as it can cause diarrhea, which could cause pasting.
Give Yogurt and Boiled Egg: If the weak chick can eat and drink, then consider giving it warmed, plain yogurt and possibly boiled egg mixed in feed. Again, don’t give these for a long time.
Other Things to Do: If the weak chick is being pecked by others, separate it using wire mesh so that it can still see other chicks (flock animals like chicks need company). Keep it comfortable by providing food, water and warmth. You can also add multivitamins in their drinking water. If you suspect that the chick is sick, it will be better if you call a vet to check it out. This decision can help save the others from impending sickness.
Maintain Optimal Temperature: The temperature under the brooder heater should be 95oF (35oC). Weak chicks may not have the strength to find the warmest spot by themselves. So pick them and place them under the brooder. Also make sure that there is no draught. If there is draught, the chicks will move away from its path as shown in the image below.
Check for Pasting: Pasting occurs when dry droppings seals the chicks vent and prevent it from passing out droppings. This condition has to be treated immediately. You have to constantly check your chicks for any sign of pasting.
To remove pasting, first use a warm, wet towel to soak it before removing. The chick must not get too cold during the process else the pasting will reoccur.
Give Sugar Solution: If the weak chick is free from the 2 problems already discussed, try giving it few drops of sugar solution. The sugar solution will give the weak chick a boost of energy and hopefully, it will start to eat and drink. But note that you shouldn’t give sugar solution for a long time as it can cause diarrhea, which could cause pasting.
Give Yogurt and Boiled Egg: If the weak chick can eat and drink, then consider giving it warmed, plain yogurt and possibly boiled egg mixed in feed. Again, don’t give these for a long time.
Other Things to Do: If the weak chick is being pecked by others, separate it using wire mesh so that it can still see other chicks (flock animals like chicks need company). Keep it comfortable by providing food, water and warmth. You can also add multivitamins in their drinking water. If you suspect that the chick is sick, it will be better if you call a vet to check it out. This decision can help save the others from impending sickness.