Newborn Chick Can't Keep Head Up

[peepinglaura]

Why on earth not, and what can I do?

Thanks,

Laura

 

[Judy]

Is this one you incubated, or was hatched under a broody? Maybe it just hasn't recovered from the hard work of hatching yet.

 

[peepinglaura]

Thanks for responding. This egg started out under a broody, but the eggs were orphaned. The eggs spent ll night cold, but in the early morning I tossed them in the bator. This chick was struggling to hatch at the same time another chick was hatching poorly and that chick died hatching. I helped this one hatch. Another chick also died post- hatch. Six others hatched uneventfully and are thriving.

The eggs were filthy and one egg oozed in the bator. My humidity was out of control during this hatch- I don't know why. I don't know if any of this is relevant, but that is the whole saga!

Thanks,

Laura

 

[purpletree23]

I would give the chick Polyvisol non iron formula vitamins. Can be found at CVS I think. Give 2 drops on the side of the beak so the drops will go into the mouth slowly and will be swallowed and not inhaled. If you can't get the vitamins tonight I would give Pedialyte or even a weak sugar water. The chick needs fluids and I agree with the other post that the poor little thing might just be exhausted. Keep warm and give lots of TLC. Try to feed by making a wet mash out of chick starter and sugar water. See if maybe you can stimulate its appetite with boiled egg yolk that is chopped fine and fed from the tip of your finger.

Let us know what happens. More experienced people will give suggestions also.