Hi there - I had three chicks hatch on Thursday of this week. That same night a fourth chick had pipped a hole but hadn't zipped. It had finally hatched by early yesterday (Saturday) morning. I am concered about it because it's not keeping up with the three older chicks. He's not able to race around after Mom the way the others are, he's wobbly and it seems to have a big round underside. I don't know if it is because I am comparing it the other chicks who seem to be smaller in general but I noticed it seemed to have a little problem pooping this morning. I finally saw it poop normal just a short while ago but it still wants nothing to do with going outside like the others and chirps like crazy for Mom to come back in and sit on him. It's drinking a bit and nibbling at the food and seems ok otherwise. Is it all just him being younger than the others? Thanks for any input!
If he seems cold you can put a milk jug filled with warm water (hot but not enough to burn him) for him to snuggle with while mom's gone. When I had a broody it was so cold I was running a 100 watt bulb for the broody and they huddled under that when mom was out.
