Baby Chick Choking??

[chickenman0806]

This is Mrs. Chicken Man, we have a baby chick that appears to be choking, and I don't know what to do to help? He/She was fine and then I think she ate a piece of starter food that was too big and now he/she is gurgling bubbles and raising his/her head back. What can I do to help?

A quick response is greatly appreciated!

Mrs. Chicken Man

 

[Eggcessive]

I wish I could tell you what to do, but other than trying to clear it's airway, I'm not sure. Maybe dipping it's beak into water might help it swallow the food hich may be stuck. It could have aspirated the grain of food. I'm hoping you can get it doing okay.

 

[dawg53]

Perhaps stretching its neck up and using your finger to massage the underside of its neck in a downward motion might help.

 

[chickenman0806]

I tried to give it water, but that does not appear to be helping. Mr. Chicken Man said I am going to drown it from trying to give it water too much. When you hold her upside down she chirps really loud, but as soon as you put her down, she starts raising her head up and looks like she is trying to swallow but can't. :'(

 

[chickenman0806]

Tried that...did not want to crush her little larynx.

 

[Eggcessive]

It sounds as though the piece of feed is stuck--the more water you put in by dipping the beak, the more it should soften. Can you try a Q-Tip inside the throat to dislodge it? Warning: This may be tricky, and could make it worse.

 

[Suzierd]

Maybe a drop of olive oil would help it slide on down.

 

[chickenman0806]

He/She seems to be okay now. Whew...I cannot cry anymore tonight!

 

[Eggcessive]

Hurray! I'm so happy that he is better. Maybe moistening the feed for a day or two would help, but don't let it sit moist more than 1day to prevent mold.

 

[Suzierd]

Yay!