Having defect issues please help

[scline74]

I have recently started hatching my own chicks. I had someone give me a 1202 which I put a digital Ranco controller on to maintain temp. I have hatched about 30 chicks so far and have a very good percentage. But what I am seeing is starting to concern me. Out of the 30 I have had 3 start with the rolling problem "rolly-polly" I also have one that has what looks to be wry neck. I am hatching these from my own flock one group is a barn mix and the other group is Jersey Giants. The JG hen has only been laying for about 3 months and I have attempted and had great success with her eggs although I think some of the problem chicks are from her.

Please help is this normal?? I hate to stop hatching but if this is unusual high rate of defects maybe I should . Thanks in advance.

 

[chickenman0806]

This is Mrs. Chicken Man, we have had several deformed chicks hatch, some with balance problems, meaning they keep turning their heads upside down and a few that have had club feet. All have died in a few days except one that has a club foot. It hops around on one leg and seems to be eating and drinking fine. Don't stop hatching...it happens...and trust me, I cry every time I lose one. :'(

 

[Eggcessive]

Welcome to BYC. Here are 2 good sites with information about hatching problems:
http://urbanext.illinois.edu/eggs/res24-00.html
http://www.thepoultrysite.com/articles/166/care-and-incubation-of-hatching-eggs

 

[Kelsie2290]

Sorry about the problems you are having. I'm not sure what the rolling problem is? Wry neck can be a vitamin deficiency. Are the chicks hatching at the correct time (not very early or late), how stable is your incubator temperature wise? Are the adults on a commercial feed and in good health etc? A link to a list of possible causes of various chick deformities.
http://www.avianweb.com/chickdeformiities.html

 

[scline74]

Chicks are hatching for the most part between 21-24 days.Adults are on pellets and scratch also time in the yard we have 5 acres that they roam. Temps are stable had some drops during the cold nights down to maybe 95 but just for a brief period.