Chick hatched with no eyes and a cross beak

[Thedogsbark]

Thank you for input thus far everyone. So far the little one is doing okay. Well, I mean as okay as it can be with its current situation. Unfortunately one of its hatch mates is not doing so well. It can not hold its head up and keeps curling up as if it were still inside an egg. It often tumbles onto its side or back and cannot help itself back up.

 

[Cragg Klefor]

Thank you for input thus far everyone. So far the little one is doing okay. Well, I mean as okay as it can be with its current situation. Unfortunately one of its hatch mates is not doing so well. It can not hold its head up and keeps curling up as if it were still inside an egg. It often tumbles onto its side or back and cannot help itself back up.

Oh I'm sorry! Do you have poutry vits on hand - Nutri drench or similar? I would direct dose that little chick. Is it eating and drinking??
I think this can be a quiet time on the forum, I'm hoping someone more knowledgeable comes along for you!

 

[Thedogsbark]

You just trying to help is enough and greatly appreciated! I have some sav-a-chick probiotics and sav-a-chick electrolytes. I'm not sure if I have anything else along these lines, I'll have to go and check. None of them are eating or drinking yet. I still have them in the incubator as of currently. The one having neck issues has only been out of the egg for around four hours now. The oldest isn't even a day yet. I haven't put food or water in with them yet.

 

[Cragg Klefor]

Ok, my, so young!!
I hate to even say it... but you think it might be Marek's
Did there appear to be any issues with this little one hatching?
Personally I would use the electrolytes. I'm just thinking something to give her a little boost.
When you mentioned neck issues I'm thinking vitamin deficiency. I wish I knew more about hatchlings, I'm sorry I don't. I'll see if I can see anyone else online that might know and we'll give a shout out to them.

 

[Cragg Klefor]

From what I'm reading, this can happen within the first few hours after hatching... due to how they were basically squashed up in an egg up until now (with how yours is lying this might make sense). By day two it can act normal.
This is just what I have read, I have no experience in this so I can't really say one way or the other!?!

 

[Thedogsbark]

Thank you. I certainly hope it's not Marek's. I had to assist this one in hatching, as well as two of the other three that hatched. Ironically the one with deformities was the only one that didn't need an assisted hatch. The other two that were assisted appear fine and are up and running around, causing trouble as chicks do. This one may just be weaker or have something wrong internally. I hope it makes it, but I'm not sure. I'll try everything I can though. I've only hatched three times and I've had such bad luck each time... I feel so bad for these babies this time around and like it's my fault. It makes me want to give up on hatching.

 

[Larry Rose]

Does anyone else suspect inbreeding as a cause for these disorders?

 

[Cragg Klefor]

I imagine it's very stressful for those first few hours in particular, and probably days if there are issues. But it also must be so exciting, rewarding, amazing, gratifying for all the times those chicks that make it and go on to live happily with you. I like the idea of knowing them from their very first day, but I could be accused of being obsessed with my chickens (none of which I hatched - mine are all ex battery).
Some people do decide it is better suited to them to obtain pullets when adding to their flock, one reason being they don't have the worry of birth deformities, losses and some diseases. Others would never bring in outside birds and would only add to their flocks, others do both. A totally personal decision.
I would say, take this one day at a time. There really is a wealth of knowledge here to help you along. Time zones can play a part. I'm Ireland so it's morning here right now. But for most on the forum it's the middle of the night right now. Once their morning comes around this place gets busy, fast, with brilliant brains - so hang in there!

 

[Thedogsbark]

Does anyone else suspect inbreeding as a cause for these disorders?

I do not inbreed my birds. It is a 50/50 chance that the mother of this particular chick was my D'uccle with half a toe missing. I'm not sure if the missing toe is genetic or lost in an accident, as I got her from a friend that got her from Atwoods. I just don't see how a missing toe can result in missing eyes and a cross beak if she is the mother.

I imagine it's very stressful for those first few hours in particular, and probably days if there are issues. But it also must be so exciting, rewarding, amazing, gratifying for all the times those chicks that make it and go on to live happily with you. I like the idea of knowing them from their very first day, but I could be accused of being obsessed with my chickens (none of which I hatched - mine are all ex battery).
Some people do decide it is better suited to them to obtain pullets when adding to their flock, one reason being they don't have the worry of birth deformities, losses and some diseases. Others would never bring in outside birds and would only add to their flocks, others do both. A totally personal decision.
I would say, take this one day at a time. There really is a wealth of knowledge here to help you along. Time zones can play a part. I'm Ireland so it's morning here right now. But for most on the forum it's the middle of the night right now. Once their morning comes around this place gets busy, fast, with brilliant brains - so hang in there!

I have considered looking for ex battery chickens if I ever plan to add in the future, or when all of my current flock passes. I'm just not sure if I can handle having to assist another hatch or have another deformity. Thank you for all of your help and words! It means a lot to me.

 

[Cragg Klefor]

You're welcome. Well I can tell you from experience, ex battery's are amazing.
Just a suggestion: if you want some more opinions on this little chick (and it wouldn't be any harm) I would post a new thread with a more relevant title to this case because people who have already replied here will see the same title and may not be back on this thread. I hope this little one perks up and thrives.