Help! I just got my day old Keets today and this is all brand new to me!

[hcranch]

One of my little Keets is walking on its knuckles....won't seem to spread its feet out. Is this something it will grow out of, requires medical intervention or physical therapy, or simply hope for the best but prepare for the worst?
I am totally new to this...I have never even owned a chicken. I've only had Cockatiels. Way different.
Also, as far as the heat lamp how do you keep the temp steady at 95*F ? Do you just keep adjusting the distance between the lamp and the Keets?
:/

 

[DanasChicks]

Hi hcranch,

Some chicks or keets are born weaker than others. They are not yet able to stand on their legs upright like the others. Give it a few days and keep an eye on this one to make sure it's at least scooting around to get water and food. In some cases, they will become able to use their legs and be just fine. In other cases, they will slowly deteriorate and won't make it. You can hold the chick in one hand while using your other hand to help the chick place it's legs on your index finger to assist with helping it hold it's own weight a couple times a day. I have seen many scooters start walking around within a couple days.

As far as the temp, you can always stick a thermometer in there to give you an idea of how high to place the heat lamp to provide the correct temp. Starting off with about 95 degrees and each week decreasing it by 5 degrees. One sign that there is not enough warmth is the keets will bunch together, because they are cold. If it is too warm, they will pant and try to get as far away from the heat source as they can.

I hope this helps. Happy Raising!

 

[hcranch]

Thanks for your quick response. Your explanation makes a lot of sense and I guess my instincts are better than I gave myself credit for! I have, in fact, been picking that Keet up and spreading its feet around my fingers. I'll continue to do that and we'll just have to see what happens! I'll keep you posted!