baby chick can't stand and lift his head, help!!!!!!!!!

[shengmai]

So one of our baby chicks hatched yesterday, and he is a little late compared to his brothers and sisters. When he was born, he can't stand up and have one of his legs stuck out, we though it's only going to be a while before it can get up, but it's been more than 24 hours, and it still the same. It's strong and has a clear loud voice, but somehow it just won't get itself up, not only so, it's head would always tilt to the right, and its left leg would just stick out, also, its claws won't open, I tried to help him up, but he just can't get itself up. Somebody help, please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[mustangrooster]

Hello there, and

Im so sorry to hear that your baby is like this, I have dealt with similar problems to this, but never problems exactly like this. So, i'm afraid I cannot help you a great amount.
However, I searched BYC and found a few threads, that may be like what you are experiencing with your pretty girl. They're should be some useful information..

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/468065/baby-chick-cant-lift-his-head
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/169957/baby-chick-cant-stand-up
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/446931/my-baby-chick-cant-walk-what-do-i-do

The only advice I can give is, give her some time. She may be taking a while to get used to being out of the egg, I had a similar chick like yours. She couldn't walk by herself, whilst her siblings were zipping around the brooder. I kept little gal' with me the whole time, mixing up sugar water for her, keeping her warm, helping her stand, and giving her time, and soon she was good. Don't rush the food for the first few days- but make sure she has water, if she wont drink by herself, dip her beak into some sugar water and normal water soon after she has had a good amount of sugar water. That should give her a boost, and continue to dip her beak every 5 minutes or so.

Make sure to keep this baby girl with you now, she is all fluffed up, you can take her out of the incubator. Give her the motivation to want to live! Trust me, it works.

IF she doesn't improve in the next 3 days, let us know, it could be serious, but we will be happy to help you with your baby girl

Best of luck

-Mustang


EDIT TO ADD: I found an amazing thread, definitely worth a look

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/367608/how-i-help-weak-baby-chicks-to-survive-hope-it-is-helpful

 

[shengmai]

Thank you so much for replying, I can't explain how much it means to me!
I tried what you told me to do, give her some sugar water, and I put her under a heat lamp, although there wasn't a lot of improving, I'm sure there will be soon!
we'll wait for a few days, and hopefully she will get better!
The websites you offer helps too, gives lots of great advice, which I can sure use when I hatch chicks later!
Thank you so much! I'll continue to post if she gets better!

 

[mustangrooster]

I've been thinking about this little pretty chick....has she improved?

I just noticed that you said you put the bubba under a heat lamp...that could be a bad idea..if its too hot it will overheat her and kill her. Its safer to just keep the little fella with you.

 

[shengmai]

I think you're right... it was a mistake...
I check on her yesterday afternoon, all I discover is a lifeless body...
well, I buried her under a tree in my backyard...hope she rests in peace...
I'll try to make sure something like this won't happen again, but if unfortunately, it did, then this website would be my first choice for asking questions...
Thank you for your attempt to help, I really appreciate it!

 

[mustangrooster]

Oh, how sad. *HUGS* Dont worry, we all learn from mistakes