I need a quick response if possible

[drowe005]

Ive had quite a few of my ringnecks and chukars hatch over the past couple days, and I have one ringneck that hatched about 2.5 hours or so ago, seems to have a bit of trouble getting off his back, and spends most of his time flapping his legs trying to flip back over and if he makes it, loses balance and is back on his back. I noticed he is clinching his feet to together too, but can open them. I haven't noticed any other hatchlings have so much trouble sitting upright like this one. I have looked as good as I can through the incubator window, and dont see any defects, but then again dont know what to look for, but nothing out of the ordinary sticks out. It really seems to me that the problem is that he wont open his feet up. Is this something I should worry about and cull? Or does it sound normal? Thanks for any quick responses.

 

[drowe005]

seems as if its a rare condition called curled toes that can be fixed usually. Right now I have put bandaids on his feet to hold them in the proper place and I guess Ill check in 24 hrs to see if it needs another day.

 

[Fat Daddy]

I have seen the curled toes in quail and chukar. I havent raised pheasant in 25 years... But its not a rare condition if you hatch alot of birds. I find it tends to happen when the bird stays in the shell too long. Its usually one of the last ones to hatch. Or when a low humidity issue prevents the chick from hatching in a timely manner. Most of the chicks that have come close to "shrink wrapping" will have curled toes.... Most of the time, they straighten out in a day or so. I have tried to tape\band-aid\correct this ailment. I have not had alot of luck with it. Any more, if they dont start walking right in a few days, I usually cull the chick. I wish you the best of luck with your bird. Bill

 

[drowe005]

I did the band aid method for the first 2 days, and for the most part, his 2 bigger toes remained mostly straight after that with the smaller of the 3 main ones being a little curled. Over the past week, he has been growing and somewhat learned how to walk, but still not perfect. I noticed today that his toes may have worsened again, but he is still able to get around and get food and water. I don't want the bird to have to suffer, but I am hoping he can live long enough to make it to the dinner table rather than culling now. I guess Ill play it by ear and just see what happens, thanks