Newly Hatched chicks

[Hholt]

We just hatched our first set of chicks. Most of the did great. One stayed in its shell after pipping for a least a day, maybe little longer. It had to be helped out of its shell. I know we really shouldn’t do that, but it stopped trying to get out and the sad chirping was too much for me. Since fully hatching, it keeps flopping on its back. We had it in a small space to keep it upright but it still ended up on its back and kind of upside down. It only seems to use one leg to flop around and its head doesn’t really move much. I got it to drink some water and eat some food. What should I be doing?

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

Welcome to the Flock!
I’m sorry you are having such a difficult time with your sweet chick. It sounds like it has a bum leg. You might want to reach out to our emergency crew and seek there.
@casportpony @Eggcessive
Good luck!

 

[casportpony]

Can you upload a video to YouTube or Vimeo then copy and paste the link here? Pictures of it would be good too.

 

[drumstick diva]

Excellent advice from Chick-N-Fun

 

[Eggcessive]

I would try giving some Poultry Cell or NutriDrench vitamin tonic daily. When I used to hatch some, I had 2 chicks unable to stay upright, arching their backs. They never ate or drank, and died within 2 days, despite efforts to save them. That is why I stopped hatching.

 

[Hholt]

I can’t get a video uploaded but this is how it lays in the brooder. It typically uses its right side to flop itself over and kind of flops in a circle.

 

[Hholt]

Should I leave it with the healthy chicks or keep it separate? The others have pecked at it a little, but almost like they are flipping it back over.

 

[ValerieJ]

Hi! Welcome to BYC! So sorry about your chick. I'm
happy you are getting the help you need from the experts here.

 

[drumstick diva]

I would move it to separate it from the others. Chicks/chickens will frequent attack others that seem unwell.

 

[Hholt]

We’ve got it separated again. Thanks for all of the thoughts. I was thinking it was wry neck. I don’t have any vitamins I can give it right now, but I have to get more feed tomorrow and can hopefully pick something up.