The final score was six Wyandottes, three legbars (two of them male) and only two Norfolks. Three eggs candled clear after a week, one stopped developing after a week and three didn't make it to pipping. The last Wyandotte was stuck and had to be helped out. He had pipped too low down (where we couldn't see) and the membrane had dried. We gently moistened it and partially freed it leaving the chick to finish the job. The Wyandotte eggs were the largest ones and hadn't dried as much as I would have liked although the others all pipped and hatched fine. The chick did seem a bit squished although it fluffed up nicely and was getting around so was eventually put with the others. This morning they were all sat on it which didn't help. It looks to have been walking around on its heels which are sore. It doesn't seem able to stretch it's legs. We have put sudocrem on the sore bits and put it back in the incubator. If the chick has been been squished in the egg too long (it came out morning of day 24) is it likely that it will never straighten? Should we turn the incubator temperature down a bit for it? Is there anything else we could do? I have seen the video of splayed leg splinting but his legs aren't splayed they are forward facing the normal way. He (or she) can't seem to stretch and get up on his feet, he is shuffling along on his heels.
The other problem we have had is pecking at eyes. I understand this will hopefully abate as they learn what they should be pecking at, I have put shiny washers in and a lettuce leaf to try and attract them instead (not interested). I have also read about using a red light. I will order one today. Any suggestions would be welcome.
Helen
Topic: Hatching eggs - advice needed for wonky chick please (Read 10409 times)
