I had four eggs hatch yesterday, with the last being at 4AM this morning. The last chick seemed to have a harder time hatching, was smaller than the others, and had a reddish protuberance on its butt which is now gone; from what I've read, I'm guessing it was some unabsorbed yolk?
Since then, the chick always seem to be laying down flat on its belly. If I pet it or pick it up, it gets feisty and walks around a bit, then lays back down again. The other chicks finally figured out the food and water earlier this afternoon, but I'm not sure about the little guy (although it'll peck at food if I put a pinch in front of it). I'm most worried that it's not getting water.
Any thoughts? Is it just a "late bloomer" or should I be looking for signs of illness or deformity?
Since then, the chick always seem to be laying down flat on its belly. If I pet it or pick it up, it gets feisty and walks around a bit, then lays back down again. The other chicks finally figured out the food and water earlier this afternoon, but I'm not sure about the little guy (although it'll peck at food if I put a pinch in front of it). I'm most worried that it's not getting water.
Any thoughts? Is it just a "late bloomer" or should I be looking for signs of illness or deformity?
