Day old can't walk and mom sucks.

[mamaj323]

My broody's hatch day is tomorrow but one of her two eggs hatched this morning. I came home just now and saw mom out in the run with the other hens. I checked the coop and found this little one under the nesting boxes buried in straw. I grabbed her and snuggled her to warm her up.
I notice now that she can't walk. Her legs are under her but she can't stand. What do I do? Do I give her back to the mom that ditched her? Brooder and vitamins? Splint legs? They don't seem to be splayed out. Suggestions would be great.

 

[mamaj323]

I gave the chick a few drops of poly-vi-sol and saw mama back on the nest. I slipped the chick back under her and am going to the feed store for another heat lamp. I will monitor closely and decide what to do tonight. I might just bring mama and baby and egg inside tonight in a cat carrier until I can figure this out. Thoughts?

 

[abserbean]

It could just be exhausted from hatching, and a little chilled. They don't run around much until about two days old. It sounds like you are doing the right things, just be prepared to brood yourself if the broody abandons the chick.

 

[mamaj323]

Thanks! I've got a backup brooder prepped. Hope the other one hatches ok so that if mom leaves they will have each other. I have another hen with 5 10 day olds. Any chance she would step in?

 

[mamaj323]

Have mama and baby in a cat carrier. I candled the last egg and saw no movement but put that under her anyways just in case. Still hoping it all works out.

 

[mamaj323]

Wanted to update. Lexi and baby are doing great. I had picked up two BR babies hatched by a friend in case the lone chick would be raised by me. When I saw that mom was doing better I slipped the two BRs under her and she immediately accepted them! So the little family is out with the flock as of today and doing well. Mama just needed a little encouragement!

 

[abserbean]

Glad they are doing better! Sometimes they just need a little time.