Late Bloomer

[Scotlin]

We had 4 eggs hatch out of incubation. Three are healthy robust chicks. The fourth one came two days after the other three chicks and he has had problems. His legs were very splayed and he couldn't stand. He is doing much better with a brace and can now walk to his feed and water. He has a mucous plug in his butt that I soak and remove every two days. He is not growing at the same rate as the other chicks. Does anyone know of something more I can do to help him (or her)? This chick chirps loudly and then sleeps. He seems distressed.

 

[sourland]

Sometimes late/difficult hatchers have congenital problems that cause failure to thrive and eventual death. Sometimes they reach a point where they seem to recover and thrive. Hopefully your chick will fall into the latter category. You are doing all that can be done. Good luck.

 

[Scotlin]

Little Guy as I named him died this morning. I was prepared for it but still disappointed.
Now I have another one with a swollen eye that looks covered in a film. I have them on shavings and I am wondering if that is causing the swollen eyes. The little guy that died had a protruding eye too.