baby chick can't seem to roll over once on its back

[Grindlefamily]

it hatched out sometime last night, got stuck in another empty shell, has a curled foot (which I have attached cardboard and bandaid to) and I had to "wash" him a little to get his wing and leg unstuck from his body (from being trapped in the other shell - upside down.

Now, he seems to be doing okay (since he has a splint on), but sometimes he falls over backwards and can't flip himself over. Not sure what to do, he enjoys being in the brooder with the other 3, but it is downstairs and I can't keep an eye on it. AHH!! he's peeping in my lap right now.

Any suggestions??

L

 

[MissPrissy]

Keep him flipped over and watch him. That foot in the boot will be the cause of some of its troubles.

Try to keep it off its back. The lungs are in the back and it could die from being in that position too long.

 

[Grindlefamily]

that is what we have been doing - ahh - hopefully he'll get stronger.

L

 

[robinaggie]

One of mine couldn't stay upright for about 24 hours after hatching. I used a small rolled up towel to make a donut shape and propped her in it. It worked, and she's a week old now - you'd never know she had been weak.

 

[Grindlefamily]

Mine little one is getting more steady - I will keep checking, it seems fine in a box, but more wobbly on the paper towels over shavings - so I tried smoothing those out some too.