help-12 hour old crippled chick--pics

[hencackle]

It wasn't easy at all, TJ. I'm not really that strong, but I'm trying to toughen up some. I just felt that something wasn't right internally about the chick and a hen's instinct helped me make my decision.
Stephanie

 

[marie_martin]

One of my hens four chicks fell out of the nest and was there overnight and she did not leave the others to get it. By the time I realized the chicks were in there and that this chick was alone, it was very weak and cold. I brought it in and tried to save it but it was too late. I don't think the hen just chose not to save it because it was weak or sick, I think she had to choose and that it was my fault. I made the coop wrong and the nest too high to begin with. Then I could not move it after she was sitting because I did not want her to abandone her nest. So the things that occur in captivity in a large way have more to do with our mistakes than problems with the birds. Had I done things right, I would probably have 4 chicks. So when something is wrong I do try to help all I can. Now if the chick had been deformed and I knew that is was a process of natural selection, I might have done something different. I dont know. I know you have to be strong enough to make a decision but I just have a tender heart and unless it is in pain, I am going to try. I guess we all have different ways of doing things. That is what makes the world so exciting.

Marie

 

[tiffanyh]

I agree, why not try to help. But Im not sure about the whole survival of the fittest. Human beings dont really believe in survival of the fittest, we all see doctors when something is wrong...its funny, I just had this discussion with my students ( I teach science at a local university). If we believed in survival of the fittest for the human race, we would just let nature take its course. Not that I am judging anyones decisions AT ALL, its just an interesting concept that we we apply to animals but not ourselves.

 

[Hoolie]

When i have had chicks with splayed legs, i put 1/4 inch, square type wire that is used for avairies, into the brooder.

It has worked for me on more then 6 chicks that i would have killed.

I have tried to keep chicks that had splayed legs, but in the end its not nice to see them crawling around covered in muck.

 

[marie_martin]

Mine is not crawling. I used the bandaid method, took the yarn off. And it is working. The chick is walking, although quite funny, but is walking and eating and drinking. I figured now that I got it healthy enough to do that we can work on the legs. I took the yarn off to put the bandaid on and the legs seem some better already. I now have the bandaid on and we will see. She has spirit I can say that. This chick was about dead. Had part of its yolk not absorbed. I put a bandaid over it and gave it time to heal. He/she was at the brink of death. But now you can't tell. So sometimes it is worth the extra effort. I had one other one that had walked a little splayed but very little and it is all better on its own. I am giving the egg yolk crumbles and they love it. Seems to help boost them during those critical days. I agree about humans, no way could we live by the same standards we put on animals. Survival of the fittest, I would not be here, that is for sure.

Marie

 

[TJ]

Quote:
Good point tiffanyh...And secondly, my hat is off to you for being a teacher!

 

[AmyLynn2374]

I know this is a VERY old thread, but I am a newbie and decided to read through some of the old stuff. I am commenting on it because it brings up a very good topic. Culling: To help or not to help. I am one of those people that can't not try. The idea of culling makes me cringe. I'm not criticizing anyone, I just don't know how one can. I know personally I couldn't cull on the basis it won't be normal, I don't even think I could personally cull to put one out of their misery. I'd have to have some one else do it. I do not believe in the survival of the fittest outside the realm of the wild. It's good for the law of nature in the wild, but I think every living thing needs a chance even if it means a little extra help if it can be given. I do understand if you are talking livestock you look at it from an investment point, breeding a healthier more reliable flock and financial aspects. I would never make a good farmer. I'd never profit because I couldn't kill or eat anything I knew personally or especially raised. My eldest sister raises chicks and they do occasionally send some to butcher and eat, I just couldn't. I'm too sensitive I guess. To each it's own.

 

[Dcat]

I know where your coming from. I didn't think I could do it either but, when you know you have a little one who is just suffering and you could stop it, how can you just let it sit there and suffer. Cuddling isn't going to help it, if it wont eat or drink or can't even stand to do so, it is suffering. It's still difficult even though I found a very humane way of doing it but since I brought it into this world so to speak, then it is my responsibility to do what's needed. Imagine trying to take one of these babies to a vet and the expense it would be even if they would do it. Before I did my first hatch I had to contemplate this and make a decision. In the end keeping it barely alive and suffering was worse to me than putting it out of it's misery.