Baby chick keeps falling over

[kjkchicks]

Hi,
I hatched a chick at 3 am last night. It is now 6 the next day and I came home to find it stuck on its back. It kept doing that this morning too. Is it normal for them to take this long to figure out how to walk without falling over? He also cheeps a whole lot and has a clicky sound possibly when he is breathing

 

[SIMZ]

Is he cheeping when he's flipped over? They tend to do that.

I've had chicks die that act like that. I've also had them live. You can try to keep flipping him over and try to get him to drink. although if he's weak he may not be ready. Electrolytes in the water won't hurt, either. The clicking when breathing might be a problem, though.

Personally, I'd give him another day or so and see what happens. Sometimes it takes them a little while to get it together.

 

[kjkchicks]

Thanks for the reply.
Yes he is cheeping when flipped over. He doesn't seem to like it much haha. He isn't flipping over as much now that he's been out of the incubator awhile. He's still pretty unstable but not as bad. I've hatched ducks a few times and they have always been a bit wobbly at first but seem to catch on pretty quick. Maybe I'm just comparing this to that. I did try to give him some sugar water but he seemed angry at me for even offering it to him haha. The clicking isn't as loud as it was either, but it is still there.

 

[SIMZ]

I hope he's doing better today! We hatched a lot this spring and I've seen a few issues work themselves out after a day or so. Let us know how he does!