Incubators Anonymous

[DMRippy]

Quote: Slip tendons are VERY hard to fix. Did you hobble it? That might help.

 

[Nsampsel]

I had some extremely FAT chicks (humidity too high) that couldn't turn to 2ip yesterday & several were pipped at the wrong end or middle of the egg. Since I had to help them & they were jammed in so tight, a couple have weak legs & are turning them sideways under them (not out like splayed leg, but UNDER them sideways just like when they were in the shell). Is there any remedy for this... They are gorgeous FAT fluffy babies & I don't want to lose them. What can I do to help them build leg strength & straighten their legs out to stand on them...

 

[Arielle]

Quote: Me too--this is when I research like a maniac looking for a solution. Donna is probably right as in other animals the tendons are very hard to fix.

I had some extremely FAT chicks (humidity too high) that couldn't turn to 2ip yesterday & several were pipped at the wrong end or middle of the egg. Since I had to help them & they were jammed in so tight, a couple have weak legs & are turning them sideways under them (not out like splayed leg, but UNDER them sideways just like when they were in the shell). Is there any remedy for this... They are gorgeous FAT fluffy babies & I don't want to lose them. What can I do to help them build leg strength & straighten their legs out to stand on them...

I do a little PT so they can practice the pushing they didn't do while trying to hatch.

I lift the chick up a couple inches off the ground by sliding my palm up hand under the chick. One finger on the outside of each leg, and two fingers between the legs. This supports the chick from falling and usually the chick will paddle like mad. THe paddling is the desired movement. I lift and count to fifteen, let the chick rest, and repeat 2 times. I do this PT about 5 times a day for several days, then suddenly they are running like the others.

Good luck

 

[Nsampsel]

Me too--this is when I research like a maniac looking for a solution. Donna is probably right as in other animals the tendons are very hard to fix.

I do a little PT so they can practice the pushing they didn't do while trying to hatch.

I lift the chick up a couple inches off the ground by sliding my palm up hand under the chick. One finger on the outside of each leg, and two fingers between the legs. This supports the chick from falling and usually the chick will paddle like mad. THe paddling is the desired movement. I lift and count to fifteen, let the chick rest, and repeat 2 times. I do this PT about 5 times a day for several days, then suddenly they are running like the others.

Good luck

I am having to straighten the leg out FOR them at this point. Guess we have some work ahead of us

 

[Arielle]

Quote: THey are not paddling??? I suspect they are not day olds and the extra moisture from the body has dried the legs down. Yup, gentle stretching by hand. Keep us posted!

 

[Nsampsel]

THey are not paddling??? I suspect they are not day olds and the extra moisture from the body has dried the legs down. Yup, gentle stretching by hand. Keep us posted!

They are definitely day olds. I personally hatched them yesterday. Some aren't even 24 hrs old yet.

 

[Arielle]

Quote: Do your PT thing to stretch the legs and then test for paddling. THe leggs when first born are more pliable--you know, how a human baby is water logged, and then looses weight in a couple days? I think this happens to chicks too when I look at their legs, they seem to be more pliable right after hatching and the tissue becomes tougher and stiffer. Do as much work as you can with them and see what happens. A little goes a long way.

 

[Nsampsel]

Do your PT thing to stretch the legs and then test for paddling. THe leggs when first born are more pliable--you know, how a human baby is water logged, and then looses weight in a couple days? I think this happens to chicks too when I look at their legs, they seem to be more pliable right after hatching and the tissue becomes tougher and stiffer. Do as much work as you can with them and see what happens. A little goes a long way.

The ones who have good legs are sold already & being delivered tomorrow. That should clear out the brooder enuf to let me see who still needs help. I think the darn things are just too fat to stand up at this point & their legs are collapsing under them.

 

[DMRippy]

Guys I have a questions but first let me explain. When I first got chickens I used straw, hated it! Switched over to pine shavings thinking I would NEVER change, loved it! I have allergies and pine is really getting to me. It can really smell strong! It gets in my water catcher thingies and really smell BAD. I just can't take it any more. Can I use shredded paper? Someone suggested it in the nest boxes and thought I might try it, but could I use it as litter?

I just don't know of anything else I can try. NO straw, hay, or pine. I know not to use cat litter (I don't think I could anyway) so I am at a lose for what I can try. I know newspapers are slippery, but shredded paper has a texture and might not be slippery. I don't think it would hurt them if they eat it, most are veggie based inks now. I don't think it would have the same STENCH as pine when wet!

Looking for options please?!?!?!

 

[Nsampsel]

I have been using shredded paper in my brooder but not sure I would want it in my coops. It gets really wet really fast & draws flies which become maggots in about 2 days. So unless you are changing litter EVERY DAY I wouldn't suggest it. Maybe try sand on the floors of the runs & straw, hay, shavings or paper just in the nest boxes.