One of my chicks hatched from shipped eggs is little deformed.

[mama24]

Well, I didn't have to make any hard decisions on it's hatchmate blue Orp. It was dead in the incubator when I went in to see if any more of my later set bunch had hatched. I quickly pulled it out. I was keeping it in there b/c it was born covered in yolk and seemed too weak to go in the brooder with the rest. It was definitely dead and had a whole bunch of what looks like fresh egg yolk dripping out of it's hind end. It hatched 2 days ago and was dry, though covered in something gross. Def something wrong with that one, too.

Any idea what I should say to MPC? They definitely shouldn't get any more blue orp eggs from wherever they're getting them b/c there is obviously something wrong with them. I didn't have a great hatch rate, but of the 9 that did hatch, only the blue orps had obvious issues. The rest are fine and running around scratching and pecking like 3 day olds should! I have some bbs Ameraucanas that hatched this morning who are doing better already!

 

[Erica]

It's a tricky area, but I would be inclined to let them know (politely) what happened. If they've got the right attitude they'll thank you for letting them know, because it may help them with future matings and sales. I wouldn't take a demanding approach as deformities can have several causes.

You never know; they may be scrupulously ethical as well as well-read (about crossbill) and offer a refund.

I hope your other chicks give you lots of enjoyment to make up for the sad ones.

Erica

 

[wbruder17]

I didn't see a cross bill in the pictures, but I am also for culling the desperate cases. We hhad to do it with a little chick with eye problems as well as a coturnix quail that was having seizures. Culling is no fun, but that's the chance we have to take when hatching birds. They are so delicate and there can be so much wrong. If they are not thriviing, best to focus on the ones that are.

There is something to be said for quality of life, and I feel that goes for humans as well, however callous that makes me seem.

 

[mama24]

Look again at the last pic I posted. I think it's pretty clear in that one. Little chick is gone.

I have found my Shun chef's knife to be the fastest way to dispatch small ones.

 

[mama24]

Well, last night, I was checking each chick for pasty butts, and 1 of my wheaten Penedesencas has FEATHERED LEGS! I am seriously upset now. I paid a lot of money for these eggs.