I raise baby chicks for a breeder, she hatches them & I raise them until they're about 1 1/2 - 2 months old. I'm raising 20 chicks (Silkies, Seramas & OEGB) at the time, they're 3wks today & in plastic bins in the house under light. When they were about a week, heard screeching & when I went to check this one had it's wing in it's beak running around. I removed the wing from it's beak, thought it funny, the others just stood around watching while this was happening. Another time I found it on its back "sleeping", eyes shut & the others just standing around. I put it upright, it was fine. Have noticed it pecking at the air above it's head like it's catching bugs although there are none. When I feed the others treats, it doesn't come, just stays in place. I've seen it "stumble" a few times, weak on it's feet. I've seen it eating with the rest from the feeder but never seen it scratch on the floor, it's crop is full but I've never seen it drink water.
Today I looked in it's eyes, looked fine but then I got flashlight & looked again. I saw not a film but like a sliver across the center of it's eye, it's left more than the right. Called the breeder, she says "it happens" that it's probably hearing & following the others to eat & drink but it will probably be a "special needs" project (maybe I'd be interested).
I've read past threads of how other have managed, I'm thinking it will do fine with the other but no idea what the breeder intends to do. Need input....If I were to keep it, it would be alone unless breeder lets me keep another. I would keep it in the plastic bin in the house, water & feeder to be kept in the same area, would it be ok alone? I'm hoping the breeder takes it & keep with the others but she just may not want to nor have the time. What can I do to help this chick survive alone?
Today I looked in it's eyes, looked fine but then I got flashlight & looked again. I saw not a film but like a sliver across the center of it's eye, it's left more than the right. Called the breeder, she says "it happens" that it's probably hearing & following the others to eat & drink but it will probably be a "special needs" project (maybe I'd be interested).
I've read past threads of how other have managed, I'm thinking it will do fine with the other but no idea what the breeder intends to do. Need input....If I were to keep it, it would be alone unless breeder lets me keep another. I would keep it in the plastic bin in the house, water & feeder to be kept in the same area, would it be ok alone? I'm hoping the breeder takes it & keep with the others but she just may not want to nor have the time. What can I do to help this chick survive alone?
