PLEASE HELP!!! ADVICE NEEDED FOR NEW CHICKS!!!

[M@M@2four]

Hello all...I have a quick question and need serious help! I had 2 silkie eggs hatch last night--needed my assistance. Their membrane had dried half way through hatching and was literally in a, "little straight jacket." After applying warm water with a q-tip, they were able to finish hatching out themselves. Anyhow, the problem is, they keep trying to stand, flop backwards on their backs and squeak, kick and flare their legs. I have hatched many of chicks before and they have fallen over, but were able to use their legs. This is constant! As soon as they go to walk they throw themselves backwards and usually end up on their backs. I thought maybe they had, "spraddle leg" because their one foot seems curled in(not neccesarily sprawled). So I did the band-aid cut in half method and taped them together with a space in between just like the directions all over the internet showed and they are still having trouble standing up. I've given them little drops of sugar water every couple hours, but I'm not sure what else to do. I've been keeping them in my incubator so they could get their feet grounded, but it doesn't seem to be working...ANY ADVICE WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED!!! I'm at my wits end! I had purchased these eggs on e-bay. I have my own silkies as well, but had picked these for their parents and their color. THANKS SO MUCH IN ADVANCE!!! PLEASE HELP!!!!

 

[herechickchick]

I had a similar problem and I taped the legs together as you have done, It did not work at first. So I took them out of the incubator and put them in a small basket with a heat lamp. I put pine shavings in the basket to give them something to hold onto while the were walking. My little chick is great now.

Try that it may help.

Good Luck

 

[M@M@2four]

Adam~
Thanks a bunch for the advice. When I read your post, I thought about the way a wicker basket is made and they're able to grip onto the ridges of the basket. So, I took their washcloth I had laid in their incubator and removed it so they would just have the wire flooring. One is showing improvement but the other is stil flopping back and laying on his back. So, I cut out four sections of a carboard egg carton and placed him in their and back in the bator--it keeps him cradled in the egg cup and helps him hold his head up and stay upright. I guess only time will tell. Thanks again!!!
God bless,
Tracey