Half hatched chick....not walking yet?

[Mikus]

Hi everyone, my broody has hatched 7 healthy chicks over the last 3 days, last night there was only one egg left to hatch and it was pipping. I checked this morning and my broody had moved to another nesting box leaving the chick on its own with shell still on its head, it was lifeless and freezing cold to the touch so I thought she was dead. As I lifted her I saw a slight movement in her beak so I cupped her between my hands and started to massage her, a short time later she started to cheep and long story short, she is now 10hrs old and is eating and drinking but not walking very well, she can waddle a short distance but then just sits down! Considering what she's went through do I just need to give her more time or could there be something wrong with her legs?

 

[sourland]

I would guess that she is just exhausted. I have had late hatched chicks similar to this who have done just fine after 24/36 hours. I have also had some that just faded. Time will tell the tale. Good luck.

 

[Mikus]

I would guess that she is just exhausted. I have had late hatched chicks similar to this who have done just fine after 24/36 hours. I have also had some that just faded. Time will tell the tale. Good luck.

Thank you, I haven't put her back in the brooder yet, she's in the house with me, when she's not in a wee box with a hot water bottle she's snuggling with me, is that ok, have you ever done this before? I just think she's still too weak and won't do well with the others!