Multiple problems with day old chick! Help!

[CluckYeah8908]

This little guy pipped in the middle of the egg yesterday. He was very weak and I constantly checked if he was still breathing all day yesterday. Barely moving at all, I slowly helped him out of the egg. I know, I know but He really couldn’t do it. He was so weak. I opened the egg enough to where he could get the rest of the way out when he was ready. He finished absorbing the yolk and was out of the egg this morning. He’s a lot more spunky today but I noticed he doesn’t really want to open his eyes. He’s also having a hard time trying to learn to walk. Almost like there’s something wrong with one of his legs. He’s also been biting one of his feet. I added a video of him trying to get up. One of his legs just goes out to the back. When he first hatched the leg was completely limp. It’s seems to have gotten better but he still can’t walk.

 

[HeatherKellyB]

Do you have any shelf Liner (I'm talking about the gripping stuff you put on shelves)? The kind I use has tiny holes in it so it worked really well for me. I put the shelf Liner down first and then started using shavings after a couple of days I'm no help otherwise but I just hate seeing his little foot slipping so much. Shelf Liner works really well for this in the beginning. It might help help this little one get enough grip to get stronger. I'm sorry I'm no help other than this suggestion

 

[CluckYeah8908]

Do you have any shelf Liner? I'm no help otherwise but I just hate seeing his little foot slipping so much. Shelf Liner works really well for this in the beginning. It might help help this little one get enough grip to get stronger. I'm sorry I'm no help other than this suggestion

he does the same thing on the carpet, but yeah I can put something else in the incubator. I tried the shavings out thinking they might help but he just pushes them aside. Poor thing I’ve never had anything like this happen. His hatch mates are doing great he hears them and wants to be with them so bad

 

[HeatherKellyB]

If you don't have shelf liner, paper towels work for a lot of folks.

 

[HeatherKellyB]

I don't know about what to use if he is still in the incubator. Honestly I didn't pay attention to that. I would definitely make sure it's okay to use something else before. With so much slipping, it makes me worry about splay leg.

 

[Kris5902]

Agree on the shelf liner! I’m a little worried about the potential of a slipped tendon or a leg deformity.

 

[HeatherKellyB]

@Kiki

 

[Eggcessive]

Poultry Cell vitamins and mineral tonic can work wonders. It is similar to NutriDrench, but also has riboflavin (vitamin B 2) which is good for leg health in chicks. Give the chick a couple of drops daily.

 

[CluckYeah8908]

Another problem is when I try to give him water he drinks a little and then gasps. The water has electrolytes

 

[Eggcessive]

I like to offer water from a cup and let them drink on their own. Perhaps the electrolytes are too strong tasting? Does he take plain water without gasping?