Just hatched chick has head tucked underneath tummy. Any suggestions?

[wwmicasa1]

I just hatched a chick (1 hr ago) who can't seem to straighten out. She is still in a ball with head tucked close to her tummy.

Is this something that can be fixed? Will it just take time & as she strengthens work itself out? Or should I cull?

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

 

[LizzyJo]

Give it a chance. Don't cull it yet. If it had hatched under a hen, you might not see it for hours. Pretend that is the case here.

 

[espressola]

Sounds like crookneck from vitamin deficiency. Try feeding some Poly-Vi-Sol baby vitamins WITHOUT Iron (most drug stores will have it) and make sure the chick gets enough food and water... you may have to straighten it out a bit while it eats and drinks... I had a chick come down with this a few weeks ago and she is almost 100% now (and VERY friendly from all the extra handling!!!) Do a search on crookneck to see if it matches your situation. It's worth a bit of extra work to make a good friend!
Patty N. ;-)

 

[wwmicasa1]

Thank you both for all the advice. I guess I panicked before it was necessary. I just looked at her & see is up and walking around.

She is tiny so that might be why she wasn't as active as quickly as I thought she should.

I will keep the info on crooked neck in the event this happens again. I'm so happy your baby is doing so well.

Again many thanks for your help. I so appreciate this board!

 

[LizzyJo]

I'm glad it turned out well!

 

[espressola]

I"m glad it worked out too! Now you know what to do in case it ever happens, at least!
Patty N. ;-)