Day old Chick can’t keep balance

[CaptainCupcake]

I’ve got a day old chick from a friend who didn’t know she had a hen sitting on eggs, and this chick seems to have some neurological issues. I don’t think it has spraddle leg. It looks like it tries to go forward but goes backwards, has a hard time standing up, and is very weak. Also can’t open its eyes, which do not appear to be gunky or gross. Any ideas?

 

[Madi131]

I would attempt to treat it like spraddle leg. Get some vet wrap. Cut it about 1/4 inch by like 5 inches, I guesstimate, and wrap the legs together about an inch apart. it helps them gain their balance and strength. For the eyes thing, some of my chicks only open one eye and then open the other. Or they switch it back and forth on me. I'm not sure why they do that. Probably just adjusting to light.

 

[Blizzkona]

Is its neck/head crooked? Could be wry neck.

 

[CaptainCupcake]

I don’t think it has wry neck. He can stand up normal, but only for a moment, until he tries to move. Almost like he’s drunk. There are moments when I think he’s dead, but then after a bit he looks like maybe he’ll be ok.

 

[Madi131]

Maybe it's just the sleepy phase? My quail laid completely ontheir backs with their legs in the air. Like you're picture. Kept thinking they were dead but when i tried to touch them they got up and ran off.