Injured chick

[hacharlton]

One out of 14 Coturnix Quail hatched. Disappointment for sure. Little chick is doing good, but today I noticed that one of it's feet is not working. I put it in a box with newspaper on the bottom. Was it too slick for the little one? After removing the turner from the incubator I let the eggs rest on the wire in the incubator. Could it have been the wire that hurt the leg in the beginning?

I will be taking 29 eggs out of my new incubator on Sunday. Do I need to leave them in the incubator resting on the wire or do I take them out and put them in a box with a lamp on. If I leave them in the incubator, do I need to take the wire bottom out and rest the eggs on the Styrofoam bottom?

Help Please

 

[Emilys3guppies]

How big is the wire? If it's 1/4" or less than the chicks should be fine on it. It's definately preferable to newspapers which can be slick and cause slipped tendons, I believe. Maybe there is somewhat to splint it, like with spraddle leg?

Put your eggs on the wire of the incubator, is what I would do. You'll need the bottom to add water for humidity, depending on the model of incubator you're using.

 

[shelleyd2008]

I doubt that it was the wire, most likely it was the newspaper. Newspaper is very slick, you should always use paper towel. But quail chicks can usually be put right onto shavings with no problems.

ETA: Just lay the eggs right on the wire in the incubator. If you take the wire out, they could drown in the water troughs.

 

[citalk2much]

I agree with Shelley. Newspaper is not a good idea for chicks. I put my babies on shavings and straw

 

[hacharlton]

Looks like I made a newbie mistake

 

[citalk2much]

Don't let it stress you. I am sure we have all made our fair share

 

[Emilys3guppies]

We've all done something! Don't let it bother you too much...live and learn.

 

[hacharlton]

Changed the bottom cover to paper towel even though it is too late.
Will be ready if any of the next batch hatch.