How do I know when to give up on a baby chick?

[Lori J]

Tried assisted hatching (not my first time), because the egg has been pipped for several days. Chick was peeping but would not uncurl itself. Left it in the bottom of the shell in case it had not absorbed the yolk, but now it is very still and quiet and I can’t tell if it is alive. It’s feathers are stiff/sticky instead of drying fluffy. Is it possible that it could still be alive/I could save it? I may have done wrong in assisted hatching in this case. Any advice welcome. (There was another egg in the same situation, that chick was able to get out of its shell this morning with minimal assistance. The other 8 hatched several days ago.)

 

[MarkJr]

Open it’s beak. If it closes itself.....

 

[Lori J]

Open it’s beak. If it closes itself.....

If it closes itself it is still alive?

 

[MGG]

If it closes itself it is still alive?

Get it out and rub it some. Gently, of course. What day was it on when you assisted? I would just let it hang on as long as it can. It probably won't make it, but you never know when it bounces back. It might have died already if you hadn't assisted it. It may just be too weak to live. I think you did the right thing by assisting. Do you have any nutridrench or poultry electrolytes?

 

[dbtcowgirl]

The way my brain works I like to know I did everything I could, if I lose my critter anyways I can tell myself I tried. I have had a "sticky" chick I was able to save. I wrapped it up in a warm wet paper towel, then dried it in a warm dry wash rag under a heat lamp. While he was snuggled up and drying I dropper fed him some electrolytes. He perked up and made it. Trying to save chick often ends poorly despite efforts made, but sometimes you get one that makes it. I'm sorry your chick is sick, and wish you the best.

 

[Lori J]

The way my brain works I like to know I did everything I could, if I lose my critter anyways I can tell myself I tried. I have had a "sticky" chick I was able to save. I wrapped it up in a warm wet paper towel, then dried it in a warm dry wash rag under a heat lamp. While he was snuggled up and drying I dropper fed him some electrolytes. He perked up and made it. Trying to save chick often ends poorly despite efforts made, but sometimes you get one that makes it. I'm sorry your chick is sick, and wish you the best.

I do have a heat lamp, do you think that would be better than the Incubator? The chick has not moved since this morning but I still keep thinking it will

 

[Lori J]

Get it out and rub it some. Gently, of course. What day was it on when you assisted? I would just let it hang on as long as it can. It probably won't make it, but you never know when it bounces back. It might have died already if you hadn't assisted it. It may just be too weak to live. I think you did the right thing by assisting. Do you have any nutridrench or poultry electrolytes?

I did rub it earlier. I couldn’t tell if it were breathing or not. Thank you so much for all your advice. It’s really helpful to get some ideas. Chick has not moved since this morning, Which is when I assisted it. Before that it was sitting in the egg doing a lot of chirping At first but then after 24 hours it hardly chirped at all and that’s when I decided to assist in this morning.

 

[dbtcowgirl]

@Lori J tough truth is that the chick is probably not going to make it. If you can't see it breathing or responding it's probably already gone or will be soon. You can try rousing it but zero response isn't good. I'm very sorry for you, chicks can be hard on the heart.

 

[MGG]

I did rub it earlier. I couldn’t tell if it were breathing or not. Thank you so much for all your advice. It’s really helpful to get some ideas. Chick has not moved since this morning, Which is when I assisted it. Before that it was sitting in the egg doing a lot of chirping At first but then after 24 hours it hardly chirped at all and that’s when I decided to assist in this morning.

Maybe mix up some sugar water (or do you have any gatorade?) and dip a q-tip in it. Then smear a tiny bit on the side of its bill. If it's still alive that might give it a boost. I may have already asked this, but what day is it on?

 

[Lori J]

@Lori J tough truth is that the chick is probably not going to make it. If you can't see it breathing or responding it's probably already gone or will be soon. You can try rousing it but zero response isn't good. I'm very sorry for you, chicks can be hard on the heart.

Yes they can be