We ordered 4 chicks from a California hatchery, and they arrived overnight (we are also in California) All 4 were happy and chirping, but there was a bonus chick which was quite battered. It was missing most of its back fuzz, and seemed to have matted stuck fuzz in different places. Almost as if it was covered in dried egg yolk. It was very wobbly so we immediately put it under a nice heat lamp in addition to the brooder plate. We have chick feed and probiotics in the water, and it right away started drinking. We've been observing all day, and it does seem to be getting more stable (less swaying, eyes open more) but should we try to wash it a bit? I want to make sure its stable before I stress it again. I also noticed its right wing doesn't move like its left one. I'm hoping we don't have a special needs chick, but if we have one we will take care of it. My daughter is devoted to her birds, and this is the 8th year we have had chickens, chicks nearly every year (yes, of course chicken math) so we are not newbies. But this is the first mail order batch I have had, and they are from a very high end breeder so should be excellent lines. Of course breeding isn't everything, and this one may be just a little lacking. Its a French Black Copper Marans, and it has a sibling so I know what it should look like. Any ideas on how to rehab a battered chick?
