My First Lock Down

[BarredR]

Just a update I took the chick to the vet yesterday they kept it overnight and did a exam today. I guess the baby had splayed leg and developed a open wound from crawling around on it's legs. The vet put a splint on it's leg and when I went to pick the baby up she told me my options. At home physical therapy with no guarantees,put the baby down or donate the baby to a good friend of hers who has years of experience with chickens and hatching. Not looking for the easy way out but I donated the baby in hopes experience will help it's full recovery and better life.

 

[Aacre]

The splint should help a lot. Chick bones are really soft right now, so since you caught it and have it splinted, it should heal right up. I had a baby chick that had splay leg for a couple of days before I found it. It was corrected within 24 hours and I haven't had issues since.

 

[goodb]

The splint should help a lot. Chick bones are really soft right now, so since you caught it and have it splinted, it should heal right up. I had a baby chick that had splay leg for a couple of days before I found it. It was corrected within 24 hours and I haven't had issues since.

 

[BarredR]

One leg was real bad and it's toes on both feet wouldnt work properly they curled up so it could not stand at all.

 

[BarredR]

All I can say now is I'm glad I took it to the vet and it's getting the help it needs. My first hatch did not turn out like I thought and I'm kinda nervous to set eggs again. I lost two after lock down had one hatch with leg issues but on a positive note I did get three cute healthy fur balls to add to my flock unless one is a roo already have one of them.

 

[Granny Hatchet]

im still a bit asleep, you started with 6? 50% hatch rate is ok for first timer. lol question. did the vet charge you after you agreed to give it away? you are lucky to have a vet that will see chickens.

 

[BarredR]

Yes I set 6 eggs for test run. I bought a expensive bator to start because I wanted as little loss as possible. The vet was about 45min away and yes they charged me even thow I donated to her friend. I asked for a discount on the exam but was not discounted I was more concerned about the chick so donated anyways. Avian vets are very hard to find it's rediculous if you ask me.

 

[Granny Hatchet]

well, i am going to tell you a little secret. if you incubate or even raise baby chicks, you have to have it in you to cull some times. you should of brought the chick home. i applaud you for wanting what is best but it was splinted and it would of been a great learning experience for you and as your vet. it was their responsibility to show you how. i have had 90 % hatches and i have had 0% before. luckily, i have my own eggs and it makes a difference. if your were shipped it was a great hatch.

 

[BarredR]

I didn't buy my eggs I have 6 Barred Rock hens and one Barred Rock roo. I sell eggs for eating and hatching and needed to expand my flock to produce more eggs for my customers. I figured I could sell chicks as well but if culling is a common thing I might just sell this new bator. I don't know how to cull chicks and don't realy know if I could. I guess this was just another expensive lesson for me.

 

[Granny Hatchet]

i wouldnt say its common, but it does happen. you have a new bator, give it one more try.you can fix what was wrong with this chick yourself. your temp was a bit low at lockdown and i wonder if the humidity might have been a bit high? that causes splay leg.