UPDATE Urgent Help! new chicks with slimy liquid coming out of mouth

[mrs.67]

I received 26 new bantams today. They came from Mo. (from Cackle Hatchery) and I live outside of Houston , so, I know they have stress from the shipping. We lost one but thought maybe it got too hot. We are about to lose another. He is so weak and cannot stand on its own. There is a slimy liquid that is coming out of his mouth it sometimes drips out and sometimes bubbles out. I am so worried for it seems to be affecting the others. I need some advice fast!!
Thanks. ( when we try to offer water it acts like it can't swallow) I am lost

 

[shay20]

u should seperate the sick one from others imiditly, call the hatchery and tell them what is going on. sorry no advise on the poor sick one,

 

[Three Cedars Silkies]

The chick may have pecked at the bedding material (Exelsior) pad that they put in the box and gotten an impacted crop. Unless it's a respiratory infection...which it could be. Quarantine them from all your other chickens and call the hatchery.

 

[chickenzoo]

Is it possible that they drank water too fast?

 

[mrs.67]

When I called the hatchery that is what they said. Stress from transportation and drinking too fast. I lost another and I have 2 more that are not well , hopefully they pull through. I know that is why the hatchery sends extra chicks but its so sad for me to lose one. I have been so busy taking care of sick chicks I really didn't get to enjoy my healthy 22 new babies. Tomorrow hopefully goes well, so Ican sit and really enjoy them. I can tell you that the healthy ones are all over the place allready full of mischief. Its just scary when you just not sure. I called our vet and they put me on hold and never came back. Thats how today has been. No one but my chicken family would understand.

 

[chickenzoo]

So sorry you have to go through this. Most of us have been there and it's horrible, but things will get better - I promise. Owning chickens we often will have to deal with losses, I've gotten to the point that I don't name any of mine until they are about a year old, I seem to jinx them if I do.( ha ha )Sometimes i wonder why I have chickens and knowing the heartbreak, but the look of a newly hatched chick or the big fluffy butts of my girls scratching in the pasture, or when I go to feed and they all come running like crazy race car drivers, reminds me of the fun and peace it brings me.

 

[dlhunicorn]

did you put electrolytes in their water immediately after you got them? this is crucial you do so!
Your feed store will have electrolytes but until you get there and get them you can give a diluted (preferably unflavored) pedialyte (childrens rehydration) or even diluted gatoraid.
I would also give them three drops of POLYVISOL Enfamil formulation once a day in beak for one week (again unflavored and without iron > this is a childrens A-B-D vitamin and vit A deficiency occurs very easily and can show the symptoms you have described (>cant hurt might help)

 

[mrs.67]

I did introduce electrolytes today. It helped for a bit but she is going down again. I am trying to feed her crumbled egg yolk and plain yogurt. I talked to the hatchery again and she said 2 tablespoon of apple cidar vinegar in 1 gallon of water will help. They still say stress but I am not sure. They are fine one minute then they get still , then they hang their head down and get a labored breathing. The liquid coming out of their mouth has stopped. As allready suggested I think they were drinking too fast since it has stopped. I am scared that this going to continue. I have lost 4 chicks so far and I am sure I am about to lose 2 more. I have spent all day today caring for them. The rest of my babies are fine so far. I did give them the vinegar water. I am so worried. I can't enjoy them because I don't know whats going to happen next. I feel totally helpless.