November/December "Hatch-a-Long"

[Heidisgran]

1 of the chicks, the first to hatch, is having problems walking. It's like it's sense of balance is screwed up. It's getting better, VERY slowly, but at best it can now stand for short periods of time and take a step or two. The whole time it wobbles though and then falls over on it's side. It's 5 days old now, was born 48 hours before any of the other chicks. Has been growing, and will eat, but has little interest in water. I don't leave water in it's box in the brooder for fear it will fall in and drown, but give it a chance to drink 5 or 6 times a day. Normally it doesn't drink, if I dip it's beak in it will swallow whatever it gets but won't attempt to drink more. It does feel like it's getting thinner.

Any ideas what this might be and if it will pull through, or would it be better of being culled now?

what breed?

 

[Heidisgran]

Max is trying on his Thanksgiving disguise. Do you think anyone will know he is a turkey?

oh my gosh that is way too cute!!

 

[Heidisgran]

So tomorrow is day 21 for the silkie eggs I picked up in GA on our honeymoon. We have all 5 of our kids here for Thanksgiving and I'm so thankful we get to share this with them! Normally my husbands kids are with their mom in MD so this is going to be a great holiday!

awe! have a wonderful Thanksgiving

 

[Heidisgran]

Anyways, my latest attempt was a resounding flop. I've been hatching out chicks from my own salmon faverolle bantam trio fine, at 6 now and I think I'll leave it there for now. Pics below! But my shipped button quail eggs, out of 16 eggs, got a 0% hatch. Only two developed at all, and of those, one quit first few days and one made it all the way but turned out like Frankenchicky (anyone remember?) and didn't hatch.

Oh well. Maybe next time.

yes I remember that little baby!

these are too cute!!
my youngest right now are 5 weeks old, seeing these little guys makes me yearn for the fuzzlets!!

next batch is due in 2 and a half weeks!

 

[Heidisgran]

There is still hope. Today is day 24 and my eggs are still rolling around!

 

[DeannaA]

 

[Heidisgran]

he's so much like a dog or cat...you think?
chickens aren't so....smart

 

[Heidisgran]

Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving! God Bless

 

[DeannaA]

he's so much like a dog or cat...you think?
chickens aren't so....smart

I have noticed the more interaction I have with a chicken the smarter it seems to be. If one gets sick and I carry it around a few days, it changes the way it thinks and interacts with the others. They seem out think all of the others and have more realistic fears. But this is just my experience. Sara has never chosen a side or been bullied by any of the other chickens. The roosters don't get their way with her unless she says so. She stays out of the rain, she only runs to hide when there is a real threat, not just the wind. She was the first to lay, she is more regular and she comes in the house to do it. I only have to show her once how to do something. I have a few more hens like this and they are all ones that have spent extra time with me.

Max got up early to come snuggle. He is so sweet. I have no idea his behavior compared to another turkey but I am guessing it is very different.

 

[DeannaA]

double posted