Chick died

[chickenlickens]

Any ideas on what may have happened to this chick? Was under my broody hen and would have hatched either late yesterday/today. When I checked this morning the chick was breathing and seemed okay but 2 hours later I found the chick hunched over near the back of the nesting box dead.

 

[MysteryChicken]

Any ideas on what may have happened to this chick? Was under my broody hen and would have hatched either late yesterday/today. When I checked this morning the chick was breathing and seemed okay but 2 hours later I found the chick hunched over near the back of the nesting box dead.

Could have been stepped on.

 

[Bigtom Turkey]

Yup, most likely got a little to much love from mama.

 

[chickenlickens]

Thanks for your replies. Oh dear! This does sound likely unfortunately as there was nothing obviously wrong with the chick and my broody is a first time mum.

 

[Allsfairinloveandbugs]

I am sorry about your little chick. In your photo, the chick is on its back. Did you move it while examining for injuries/cause of death, or was it in that approx. position when you found it? Ive ocassionally seen a new hatchee (less than 24 hours old) get turned topsy turvy on its back and struggle to get back on its stomach/feet, especially if the broody's clutch has a large number of eggs (9-12 or more). Usually the chicks manage, but when ive seen a new chick struggling in that position i do set them upright.

As others said, accidential suffocation sometimes happens too. Whatever the cause of death, if accidental, it is Not likely to happen again. But if you find another dead chick, i would remove future hatchees into a temporary brooder until you figure out the cause. Try not to worry, because odds are future chicks will be fine.

 

[chickenlickens]

I am sorry about your little chick. In your photo, the chick is on its back. Did you move it while examining for injuries/cause of death, or was it in that approx. position when you found it? Ive ocassionally seen a new hatchee (less than 24 hours old) get turned topsy turvy on its back and struggle to get back on its stomach/feet, especially if the broody's clutch has a large number of eggs (9-12 or more). Usually the chicks manage, but when ive seen a new chick struggling in that position i do set them upright.

As others said, accidential suffocation sometimes happens too. Whatever the cause of death, if accidental, it is Not likely to happen again. But if you find another dead chick, i would remove future hatchees into a temporary brooder until you figure out the cause. Try not to worry, because odds are future chicks will be fine.

Thanks for your reply. The photo is after I had moved the chick as I was checking to see if I could see any injuries etc. I found the chick hunched over (reasonably upright) and when I saw the chick earlier in the day they were upright at that point.

 

[Allsfairinloveandbugs]

Yes I was guessing you moved the chick since you said you found it hunched over, but didnt want to completely assume. How many eggs remain to be hatched? Are there any other hatchees other than the one that died?

 

[Banana01]

Poor thing. Looks healthy otherwise. What is the size of the box and material in the box? Maybe he was trapped and couldn't move.

 

[chickenlickens]

Yes I was guessing you moved the chick since you said you found it hunched over, but didnt want to completely assume. How many eggs remain to be hatched? Are there any other hatchees other than the one that died?

There are 4 other chicks who have survived. All four are doing well and seem okay.

 

[chickenlickens]

Poor thing. Looks healthy otherwise. What is the size of the box and material in the box? Maybe he was trapped and couldn't move.

There is plenty of space in the nesting box but may have been squashed at the back as my hen likes to sit in one corner near the back (and the chick was find right in the corner). Also, one egg exploded under her which may have given her a fright I think. Her other four chicks seem to be doing well.