Blind chick?

[jstlitlome]

This gold crested Polish chick hatched at 9:30 last night. She appeared to have a red spot where her yolk sack is absorbed, her feathers are not fluffy, and now, 16 hours later her eyes are still not open. She is tiny. I think these might be bantam although the Craigslist add did not say so, but I should have assumed from the egg size. I guess I didn't know Polish came in a bantam variety.
Anyway, she seems to be holding her own, what should I do? She's still in the incubator. I have pulled the others out that hatched last night into the brooder but thought she could use the humidity a bit longer. I didn't know if she was just underdeveloped if she would continue development after birth and maybe she still has hope to open her eyes?

Would you cull her? This is my first hatch. I don't want to do that. But will do whatever is right.

Leslie

 

[CascadiaRiver]

I would suggest to take a wet warm q-tip and clean her eyes, sometimes they can get stuck during hatch. Usually when paired with a rough healing "belly button" its a humidity or heat issue in the incubator, we've had the same 2 issues ourselves but both chicks did fine after some first day's TLC! Good Luck!

 

[jstlitlome]

Thank you! I did use a warm wet washcloth and after coaxing to drink a little she opened her eyes and perked right up! Little one is doing great and is super friendly. Even better, my DH helped me out and now he is in love with the tiny thing. This one will probably stick around even if it's a rooster!

 

[Maikan]

Good to hear your chicks ok.

 

[jstlitlome]

Thanks she is doing so great! She's a runty tiny thing but has lots of spunk! DH named her sweet pea. Lol

 

[CascadiaRiver]

What a cute name, is she still doing okay?

 

[Free Feather]

What a cute name, is she still doing okay?

x2

 

[jstlitlome]

What a cute name, is she still doing okay?

She is wonderful! Only still only half the size of my other polish. She's holding her own with my giant welsummers. She is also very very friendly. I think she will be a very special one, hen, or roo.

 

[CascadiaRiver]

Oh how adorable owo I need more babies

 

[mmmmakayla]

We bought chicks from tractor supply and ones eyes aren't open what do I do ? I put her in a cage by herself because the other chicks were pecking her but how do I help her eat and drink?