Is it time to assist?

[lv9777]

I had five eggs under a broody hen. It is day 21 and three hatched yesterday (all were laid the same day). One shows no sign of hatching and one chick is struggling. The fourth chick started piping yesterday early afternoon (ish), made some progress this morning, but not much since and it has been at least 24 hours. The hatchling is not pecking in the circle like it should. It is vocal and alive, but mom has left the nest with the three others and appears to have given up on it. At what point do I do something?

 

[khpadventures]

If it were me, I would assist, but that doesn't mean it's the right choice! I've had several unabsorbed yolks to contend with as a result, which is no fun.

Do you have access to an incubator? Ideally you would move it into an incubator with some nice humidity to give it a little more time to do its thing if mama isn't keeping it warm any more. That would be the safest move.

 

[FeatherTay]

Yes assist.

 

[lv9777]

If it were me, I would assist, but that doesn't mean it's the right choice! I've had several unabsorbed yolks to contend with as a result, which is no fun.

Do you have access to an incubator? Ideally you would move it into an incubator with some nice humidity to give it a little more time to do its thing if mama isn't keeping it warm any more. That would be the safest move.

Thank you for the reply. I did assist after 28 hours. No unabsorbed yolk, but the chick is not quite "right". It can't stand and one eye does not open. Time will tell. Mom is back and it is under her at the moment. I will let nature take its course from here.

 

[RosemaryDuck]

Thank you for the reply. I did assist after 28 hours. No unabsorbed yolk, but the chick is not quite "right". It can't stand and one eye does not open. Time will tell. Mom is back and it is under her at the moment. I will let nature take its course from here.

It's likely extremely exhausted. Hatching is like you taking one finger and tapping a brick wall in one spot for hours on end. It takes everything the little guys have in their tiny bodies to do it!

 

[lv9777]

Chick is still alive and a bit stronger. He can only walk a few steps at a time. It may be a bit disabled even if it lives, but I feel like it deserves a chance to try and survive. Any idea what kind of chicken?

 

[Meadow Clampett]

Chick is still alive and a bit stronger. He can only walk a few steps at a time. It may be a bit disabled even if it lives, but I feel like it deserves a chance to try and survive. Any idea what kind of chicken? View attachment 2817271

Aww! It's cute! He will gain his strength! Looks like a Rhode island red, or some sort of golden comet?

 

[Silly Indie]

No unabsorbed yolk, but the chick is not quite "right". It can't stand and one eye does not open.

Poor little thing! We had a chick about a year ago hatch similarly, we had to assist and when it hatched she couldn’t stand it open one eye, I’m fact her whole right side didn’t seem to work properly. She unfortunately didn’t make it, not sure what it was, seemed neurological. I hope your little sweetheart pulls through

 

[lv9777]

Day four and I think he will live. Still a bit wobbly on his feet, but eating, drinking, eliminating and trying to run. He can't keep up with his siblings yet and Mom is not interested (or careful, she steps on him often). i have him separated and we do supervised visitation. If I keep trying, will Mom accept him back? I hate that he is alone.