The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: CrunchyKat on July 31, 2011, 01:50:59 pm
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A second chick has hatched this morning but seems unable to take its weight on its legs properly, it's lying on its tummy . Is this something that will correct itself or do I need to splint it or cull it?? :-\ TIA
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Are its legs out to the side, or is one or both of them stretched backwards, or is it just weak, ie its head is down as well?
All the best
Sue
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Its legs aren't visible at all unless it's picked up. It just lays on top of them. It seems ok otherwise and can lift it's head and even shuffle around. It's alert and seems bright, when mum gets up to eat it follows her but just kind of drags itself along. :(
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Give it 24 hours from hatch before making any decisions mine usually take that long to get up some times
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I generally leave my chicks in the hatcher for at least a day to get over the strain of hatching, If Mum is trying to take it off already its probably too much for it after all its hard work in getting out of the shell.
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Thanks :)
Just a quick update - chick number 2 is up and running around with its brother/sister this morning, eating and drinking and doing all it should ;D.
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Excellent ;D
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Yay! :D