Newly hatched chick with feathers 'glued' to it's body. Any suggestions???

[Megan Amber]

He probably will straighten them as he gets stronger. They may always be a little curled, but I would wait to see, because it is really hard to splint such a tiny foot!!

 

[qchick]

Our baby maran is still alive after day 3. It is able to walk to water and drink on its own. We are still having trouble feeding it. Q-tip (my kids named him because of the ridiculous amount of qtips we went through to clean him off-he still isn't totally fluffed out) is pecking at the food, but not picking it up with his beak very well. We have moistened his food and he gets a little off of our finger, however, we can't do this forever. Anyone know what I should do next?

Also, we are curious if there is any truth to the sexing of the chick by looking at the wing feathers on day 2/3. We would really like for this to be a girl. Anyone know??????

 

[drumstick diva]

Had to check back and see how he was doing. Sounds good. I can't picture what his feet look like. Would you have a photo? Most chicks seem to have problems with "splayed feet" and need their little footcuffs(tape or bandaids) to keep their feet planted under them

 

[thasista]

Hi from Kentucky

 

[qchick]

I will try and get a pic. Seems this am that it is standing, but one foot is slightly turned in. Will footcuff help this? The other foot is straight. Thanks for checking in. I hope the baby starts eating on it's own today and not pecking at food.

 

[Megan Amber]

As far wing sexing goes I just learned that this only applies yo certain breeds of chickens and unfortunately I don't think the Maran is one of them. Really good to hear your chick is still going strong!

 

[qchick]

Had to check back and see how he was doing. Sounds good.  I can't picture what his feet look like.  Would you have a photo?   Most chicks seem to have problems with "splayed feet" and need their little  footcuffs(tape or bandaids)  to keep their  feet planted under them

 

[qchick]

Feet much straighter this morning!! Getting to water and food. Can't tell if it is actually getting any food, but pecks at it a lot. It seems to have greener poop rather than clear water, should I assume this little fella is eating?
Wondering how many days until we r 'in the clear' and I can assume this chick is healthy and going to make it?
Also, it's face still has dried up feathers stuck to its head. Should I wash this close to its eyes, nose, etc.?
Thanks everyone for help. Will look forward to replies.

 

[Megan Amber]

You can wash his face like you have been using the Q tips. If he is more energized I would assume that she is in fact eating! That is excellent to hear that she is doing so much better!!

 

[qchick]

We r glad that this baby is doing well. I know that chickens are social birds. Since this is the only one (out of two eggs that we hatched) will it be ok by itself or should we get an extra chick or two to put in the brooder with It?