Clumsy Silkie with “Pink” Toe Being Picked On

[Pippanelly]

Hello! I am new around these here parts. Thank you for having me.

I had four silkies hatch Within the last 48 hours. The first three came a full day before the fourth one joined. First three are thriving. The fourth (let’s call her “Baby”) seems different and if that difference is going to be problematic.

SOME BACKGROUND:
From the time she first pipped until the moment she kicked off the shell, was nearly 24 hours. The others zipped out of their shells in only a few hours. She worked hard. The breeder said that i had the humidity too low; which is why it took her so long and why i lost the other 8 eggs.

Secondly, Baby was born with a hernia. My breeder told me to put light pressure on it and it would recede. I did so and within minutes it was gone. I have no idea if either of those situations has anything to do with my concerns, but I wanted to provide background just in case.

So here are some of the things I’m seeing:

1. Since Baby joined the others in the brooder they seem to be excluding her from things. I often look in and the three of them are in a pile napping and she’s off in another corner. This happens when the are eating as well.
2. Baby is smaller than the other three and appears to be clumsy — sometime leaning on the other chicks to steady herself. I’ve seen her tip forward towards the water bowl and fall into it, as well as fall back on her bottom after losing her balance. She is getting around, but not like the others.
3. One of her toes; which should be black, is partially pink. See photo.

honestly, I’m not even sure what my question is! It’s a bunch of different questions that intermingle. Is the toe causing her to trip over her own feet? Are the other chicks treating her differently because she came late? Or because they “know” about the hernia and/or the toe? Does the clumsiness I’m describing raise any red flags? Do I wait it out or take her to a vet?

Any guidance would be appreciated!

Sincerely,
New Silkie Mama

 

[Northwest_Wannabe]

Toe appears to just be coloration, I'd guess it'll probably color up and be black when Baby's older but personally I love the weird and different so I'd hope it doesn't ;D (unless you're showing them haha)

How old is Baby? I found my silkies to be surprisingly active after hatch but I've had some chicks in general, especially with harder hatches have a harder time getting their feet under em and such! I'd recommend making sure they can't hurt themselves, get stuck anywhere, and can't drown (marbles in water are very helpful! )

I'd make sure that when you check on them that you maybe dip Baby's beak in the water to make sure they're getting water just in case, and that they're not cold/too hot, they should spring up soon enough! If you want I believe you can give them sugar water to help boost them, but it may not be necessary as they get older and learn how feet go down and bark chips aren't food ;D

 

[Pippanelly]

Thank you for your encouragement and chick tips. As with most things, i just need more patience! The first three were born on Tuesday of this week and Baby on Wednesday, just two days old. Thanks again!