Getting Nervous!

[ritzzy]

As you can see, the belly is bloated and there is stuff coming from the navel....

He has started kicking here and there but mostly lays there and chirps. Is he in pain possibly???

 

[mrbstephens]

I don't know.

The only advice I have for you is to keep it warm. I wouldn't handle it anymore. Just watch it. There may have been a reason it wasn't hatching. Just know it may have not been meant to be.

But, you never know...........

 

[beckymom3]

I've had a couple that looked similar to this and they did just fine. I'd leave it alone, let it rest. That is the umbilical area, will shrink in a bit. It may take a good day to dry off and get going, but rest assured as that yolk (the bulge you see in the belly, which has been absorbed and is now part of the intestine) will keep it going for several days. Time and patience!

 

[ritzzy]

Well everyone, I have very good news. About 10 minutes after I had to hatch the chick myself, one more chick hatched and as soon as he did, the sickly chick got right up and started walking right along with the other one. He struggled to walk and had to take many breaks, whereas the other one just kept walking but, now he's got his balance and is walking like the other one. Now they are laying together and doing great. I think he's going to be fine. I would call this a definite "hand hatch"success story!

Bad news, is that two out of my 6 eggs didn't hatch. I candled one and nothing moving but the second I candled had a chick trying to pip through the airsac so I put it back in the bator to wait. Fingers crossed!

Thanks everyone for the advice and help. I couldn't have hatched this chick without you all!

 

[miniwhipkey]

that is so good to hear.

 

[ritzzy]

Thanks! I am happy he's doing good. Thought for sure he was a goner!

So, anybody need some chicks? LOL!

 

[wolfpak]

Chickie-Baby looks just fine! It was a bit slow in absorbing the yolk... my late bloomer looked the same, navel and all. Let it dry, keep it clean and warm, and relax....

Was wondering how it was going. You done good!!! Yea!

From here out, it will either be okay, or not. Either way, you did the best you possibly could have in caring for this little furball. Great job, IMHO.

 

[mrbstephens]

 

[ritzzy]

Quote:
Thank you. The little chickie is doing wonderful. You would never know that he had a hard time in the beginning. He's already walking around very well and almost all fluffed up. I'm so relieved he made it! He's a trooper for sure.