Need Help with Hatching Chicks

[Haunted55]

I had two Hamburgs hatch early this morning. One hatched with a red ball sticking out out of it's nether end [navel?] and the other is really not doing well at all. One of it's legs is twisted and the only way I've seen it standing is by leaning against something. I have moved them out of the incubator and placed them into a brooder box. What do I do or is there anything I can do? These chicks also did not 'dry' off well. They still look wet even though they are not. I have tried dipping their bodies into warm water and gently spraying them with a gentle warm mist of water. It helped some but they are still not fluffed out as they should be. This is only the second time I have hatched any eggs so I am really, really new and lost here. They aren't even my eggs, so I have no idea of the health of the mothers. Any help would be appreciated!!!

 

[phoenix912]

Do a search on spraddle leg. And a search on open navel. How are the baby's doing now?

 

[nurse_turtle]

If the red thing is small, like a little pea, it will dry on its own. For sticky chicks, I take them to the sink and under very warm running water, use a soft toothbrush and baby shampoo. Keep the chick under the running water the whole time so it doesn't get cold. Dry it off a little and put it back into the incubator to dry, not in the brooder. Sticky chicks can be a result of humidity problems.

 

[Haunted55]

Thanks so much for the answers. it did look like a pea and I was able to find some info one it last night. Who knew? An outie on a chicken. Now the other little one isn't doing as well, I'm questioning if it is in fact spraddle leg. The right leg seems to be twisted to the back at the "knee" joint. It's alive, which is much better than I expected, but still cannot get up on it's own. I have brought it to the water a few times so it doesn't dehydrate. The question is, do I use the bandaid or is there something else I should be doing? I wish I knew what this was called so I could give the right info.

 

[Haunted55]

Thank-you for the answer. Right now they are both alive and I'm hoping I can get them trough another day. Not sure if what this little one has is spraddle leg. It looks to me as if it might be a birth defect. I really have no idea. Just want to do the best by the little ones as I can.