UPDATE 6/24/24
I just talked with a pathologist about the histopathology report on the 3 chicks I sent them and, thankfully, there’s nothing that is a threat to the rest of my flock. There was some infection in the umbilicus and yolk sack which she believes was a result of poor incubating conditions. Mom didn’t pick a good, dry, warm, secure spot and that could have resulted in weakness and infection. There was also evidence of starvation and dehydration, which makes me really sad because I dip their beaks in water and food when they go in the brooder box and this is the first time I’ve had problems with chicks not eating and drinking. I think the lesson learned here is that next time I find a clutch in a less-than-ideal spot, I need to just pick up the eggs and put them in the brooder box with mom, and if she doesn’t readily sit on them, then put them in the incubator.
So, that was good news that there was no infection that could be transmitted to the rest of my chickens.
The really good news is that the one lone survivor is probably a female and she’s doing great! I spend a lot of time with her and let her out with the older chickens under supervision. At 2 weeks old, she’s doing great with them and is holding her own, very confident, so I named her Britta, which means “resolute” and “strong.” She is definitely all of that. If she gets overwhelmed, I can call her and she’ll run to my hand so I can scoop her up and put her on my shoulder where she likes to ride. Right now we’re in the house and she’s sleeping on my arm.
Britta also has a “big sister,” our Springer Spaniel, Josie, who’s absolutely fascinated by this little baby and wants to be near her. I do keep an eye on the dog because she’s a bird dog and last year she caught and accidentally killed a chick thinking it was a toy, and now I’m trying to train her that’s it’s ok to be close to the chicks, but they’re mine and she can’t touch them. Josie’s doing much better this year.
Spoil your remaining chick until you get a definitive answer from the lab. Until you know that he is not contagious to brooder mates, you shouldn’t bring any more chicks in. For now, you’ll have to be his ‘brooder mate’. Keep us updated.
