Chick just hatched...what is THIS? UPDATE and ? page 2

[Three Cedars Silkies]

If the yolk sack has fallen off...or if you have cut it off...I would go ahead and put her in with your other babies. She will probably do better with company at this point. She's past the most critical period....you did great taking care of her!!!

 

[Akane]

While sure you want healthy chicks to ensure healthy adults I wouldn't cull for a nongenetic problem that hasn't caused a lifelong deformity. If she lives she'll likely catch up with the others in a few weeks and grow out to be a normal chicken. That's how it usually happens with runts and weaker youngsters if they survive the trauma. Now if it were a genetic issue I probably would cull because it would likely effect the animal in the future and it would continue the genetics that resulted in the weaker animal. A bad thing to get going in your flock. Since in this case it looks like it would have been a healthy chick anyway I see no reason to cull. If we killed every animal or person that had to suffer a little to live the world would be pretty empty. Might as well give her a fighting chance if she's trying to live. It's a fine line and opinion based but I don't put down an animal until they've obviously given up and don't seem to want to try to live anymore.

 

[beckyloveschicks]

After much thought and consideration, DH and I decided it was best if we culled her. So we did. I don't know if that was right or wrong at this point, but we did what we thought was best for everyone.

Thanks for you advice and support.

And I'm going to be posting pics of the babies who made it shortly!

 

[JennsPeeps]

Sorry to hear about your experience & subsequent loss.