Newborn Chick Wont get off back

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jschroed5186

jschroed5186

In the Brooder
5 Years
May 14, 2014
10
0
22
My husband works at a school and they have baby chick hatching... trust me im not fond of this practice...

Anyway the chicks hatched today and one of them is stuck on his back. He cant move and just stays laying on his back. I have tried to do my research but this is all so new to me.

The teachers are ready to put him down but i feel its too early to give up so I am having him bring it home. We have a light for warmth but what else can I do?

I already know I need something on the ground for traction, I am going to the store on my way home, this is just what the school was able to give my husband.



 
He looks healthy and happy, so maybe he is just confused.

Set him head up into a coffee cup with paper towel on the bottom for traction. He will work on trying to climb out, and improve his balance at the same time.
 
Thank you!

I am so worried about the poor little baby. Do you think he will be okay alone for the next few days until I can get him upright? I dont trust him at the school at this point.
 
He'd be better at home, and he will need careful attention. Until he gets the right side up thing worked out, he will need to be held to drink and eat. And you'll have to dip his beak in the water very carefully.

But he may catch on very quickly with the coffee cup. I've used it several times for chicks prone to flip.
 
Last edited:
Thanks! I will keep him home tonight and have my husband take him into work so he can give him the attention he needs. I appreciate your feedback!
 
Depending on what day he hatched (guessing yesterday?) he should be fine at home tomorrow and even Friday because of absorbed yolk, which provides food and water up to two days after hatch. Just keep him warm, around 95 degrees, no hotter if he can't move away.

Give him 15 minutes, supervised, in the cup, then half an hour's rest, and repeat. He looks like a pretty big boned chick so he will have to work at it.
 
Okay - He was just born today. So sad they were ready to get rid of him so quickly!! I cant imagine what happened years before my husband...

That said we cannot take him back to the school. No one is home 7-3, will he be okay? Tomorrow will be an even longer day...

What about at night?
 
His only chance is with you. Give him the chance.

Leave him loose when he is alone, or tuck him into a towel wrapped into the shape of a nest to help him balance. Don't leave him unattended in the cup so he doesn't get hurt and be sure he isn't too warm. He will pant if he is, or push his wings away from his body. If he's too cold, he will cheep pitifully. If he's happy, he will be alert and relaxed, or sleeping comfortably.
 
I am doing my best... I noticed his toes were curled, so I made little shoes for him. He just doesnt seem strong enough to stand. If i put him upright he just flips right over.

He wont eat anything, but we arent even 24 hours after hatch yet. Last night I was able to get him to drink from a dropper. I put his food in warm water then used the water that has soaked... figured maybe some of the medicine/nutrients would help him.

I am so sad for this little chick and it really does break my heart. Hoping things get better soon
 

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