C0pperFeather
In the Brooder
Good morning BYC! Brand new member and brand new to this hobby. 
So I just jumped right in and ordered 4 dozen Coturnix Quail eggs from 2 different breeders I read excellent reviews on via the internet. The eggs came, I incubated them and we are on the 3rd day of hatching (so far all but 16 hatched...not bad for mail order eggs!). Before hatch day, I did what I do before getting into something new, I read absolutely every posting, article and Pinterest Pin on how to hatch, raise and care for Coturnix Quail. When you read all of the "how-to's" they never really mention what to do when you come across issues.
All is well with all of the new chicks besides one (see image). This little guy looks like what I would assume is called "spayed legs"? He cannot walk and its legs are always out like this. It scoots across the brooder scavenging for food just like the rest of them. Its strong, but its obviously not normal. Any ideas on what to do? I'm pretty sure I'm going to get the answer I'm expecting...theres nothing you can do. But wanted to run this by you experts first. If there is nothing that can be done, what should I do with the little guy? Just let him die of thirst? Put him down? Any advice will be much appreciated! Thank you and I look forward to "meeting" all of you
So I just jumped right in and ordered 4 dozen Coturnix Quail eggs from 2 different breeders I read excellent reviews on via the internet. The eggs came, I incubated them and we are on the 3rd day of hatching (so far all but 16 hatched...not bad for mail order eggs!). Before hatch day, I did what I do before getting into something new, I read absolutely every posting, article and Pinterest Pin on how to hatch, raise and care for Coturnix Quail. When you read all of the "how-to's" they never really mention what to do when you come across issues.All is well with all of the new chicks besides one (see image). This little guy looks like what I would assume is called "spayed legs"? He cannot walk and its legs are always out like this. It scoots across the brooder scavenging for food just like the rest of them. Its strong, but its obviously not normal. Any ideas on what to do? I'm pretty sure I'm going to get the answer I'm expecting...theres nothing you can do. But wanted to run this by you experts first. If there is nothing that can be done, what should I do with the little guy? Just let him die of thirst? Put him down? Any advice will be much appreciated! Thank you and I look forward to "meeting" all of you
And no you cannot just let it die from dehydration as that would be cruel. Dispatching is the kindest thing to do. With chicks this small, I use kitchen sheers over the trash can and cut the neck. Usually the head does not fall off but it does cause a cervical dislocation. Flapping will happen but should just be an automated response if you have been successful. Some people will just do exactly that, pull the head... I won't fix it because I consider it genetic and don't want it breeding forward.
