Classroom Incubating Project - HELP!

[EMV1017]

Here is sticky guy, took him out of the incubator as it was very stinky and he was alone. I have him on my kitchen counter with a heat lamp. Any ideas on how I can help him. He is chirping away but not drying up.

 

[EMV1017]

Should I be worried about his bottom area?

 

[EMV1017]

 

[AmyLynn2374]

Should I be worried about his bottom area?

Ohhh, looks like pasty butt. Yes, that's a worry. There are suggestions for apple cider vinegar in water. I'll see if I can find the threads for you. You have to keep it clean so it doesn't cover the vent. I've only had one taht had pasty butt. I'm pretty sure that he had a disgestive problem too, he was an assist from my second hatch. I ended up loosing him a little over a week after hatch. I just could not clear it up.

 

[AmyLynn2374]

Ok, I couldn't find a thread that actually said how much apple cider vinegar to use. Everything just said apple cider vinegar (with mother-or non distilled) in the water. (I think I used a tablespoon in a quart, I can't remember.) To wash chick's butt off with warm water in the sink and apply either olive oil, coconut oil or petrolium jelly to the butt around the vent. There's arguments about using mollasses as well, but I don't know about that. Sounds like a pretty split argument as to wether it can help or harm.

 

[EMV1017]

Ok, I will give it a try. I think I'll keep this one home. The others are doing great, a total of 16. I think considering how much I didn't know it was a good turn out. I will be doing more research before I do my next batch. I feel badly about the others, but at least the kids didn't see that part.

 

[WalnutHill]

While others may swear by it, I do not think new chicks are really set up for ACV.

When I have a sticky chick that won't fluff, I fill the sink with 100F water, have a soft small towel warming in the brooder, and have baby shampoo or blue Dawn on hand.

With the chick's head between your index and middle finger in your left hand, submerge the chick's body leaving the head well clear of the water and massage the body with your right hand. Lift it out and add just a couple drops of baby shampoo or Dawn to the chick's back, then massage gently all over the chick's body. Be VERY careful around the navel and vent. Dip to rinse, then wrap the chick in the towel. After a few moments, loosen the towel and allow the chick to wiggle around inside the towel. Then release under the brooder lamp.

After this first bath, only vent wipes should be necessary.

 

[lazy gardener]

I do similar but skip the soap.

 

[EMV1017]

Ok, tried the ACV but hadn't read the other posts yet. He is drinking the water on his own now. He hasn't tried the crumble. If he still isn't fluffed by tomorrow I will try the water bath. I only wiped his bottom with the ACV but the rest of him is still pretty dry and tacky. Hoping he makes it, I already feel horrible about the others
I commend all you pro incubators, I have so much to learn and it's so heartbreaking when some don't make it. I wanted to run out and cuddle my hens when I got home, but sadly they aren't the cuddly type. They only want me for my feed!

 

[WalnutHill]

ACV is normally added to drinking water to adjust gut pH. I don't advise for new chicks. Application to the skin is not advisable, the 5% acid is an irritant. Please gently rewash the little fuzzy butt.