Maybe it would help if you politely told your mother that this is very stressful and you're doing the best you can, and you're very happy for any constructive suggestions she can make but please don't criticize because that makes it more stressful.

Try to stay as calm as you can because you can help the baby better that way and will be less likely to make mistakes caused by nervousness. If you have a thermometer, you can use that to check the temperature of the heating pad to find out if it's safe before you put the baby on it. Put the towel on top of the heating pad and the thermometer on top of that, and let it sit there for ten minutes or so to see what temperature it reaches.

This link has info on digestive aids that can help: http://tinypic.com/useralbum.php?ua=MNW ... F7fw%3D%3D Some of it's pretty exotic but there are some items that you may have in your kitchen.

I will do that Carolyn. Thanks for all of your help. Any word from Sussane? I do not have a rubber glove...or a water bottle. We live in the country

Wow, you must be a really fast typer! Thanks for spending your time on this thread.....I know there are others.

Still working on getting Susanne involved directly. I should be getting ready for work but I'll hang around as long as I can.

Get on Facebook if it's at all possible. That's the best way to get help from Susanne.

I appreciate the time your giving me for this.....I understand you have to go to work. I just don't have anyone to get advice from until you come home. What time do you get home from work? I'm sorry, but I really don't have access to facebook. Couldn't you just give me Susannes phone number by p.m. or email?

It doesn't take long to make an account either

Edit, we posted at the same time whoops

This is going to be really bad advise, but if it's your only option left, I think it will help...

Take out the box and place the chicks on the cage floor with paper towel to cover the grate.

Remember, only do this if you have no options left. In the mean time, I would make a Facebook account and join ICR

If you can't do that then I would keep taking Carolyn's advise. Maybe Carolyn can ask Sussane to come here since you don't have access to FB

I think she's already at work Baruch Baruch, if you were Susanne, wouldn't you want me to call you? The babys crop is not changing in size and that means it is not getting food! It has been like this since last night. If I don't figure out something soon, its going to die!

Please Baruch, if you can think of anything, please help me!