PLEASE HELP!! Chick not doing well.

[wileshobbyfarm]

I'm

 

[wileshobbyfarm]

I'm new to BYC and new to hatching. Today is our first "hatch day" and our first chick bust out of his shell but blood is all over him and he seems to have a prolapsed vent. Not sure if that is what it really is, but it is bleeding. What should I do? Please help me!

Very concerned

 

[Mister B]

Picture would help a lot. When they hatch, there is usually blood, or at least in my case. It is a nasty thing, birthing. I thought they would come out all fluffy like they looked on TV. Anyway, put the little chick in the brooder, let it warm up. It oughta start peeping and stumbling around in a few minutes. A couple hours from now, it will look normal.

 

[wileshobbyfarm]

I'm trying to upload the images but not having any luck. He is moving and cheeping. I have tried giving him a few drops of water and he seemed to drink. He's still in the incubator. I thought it might be less startling to recover in the same environment he hatched in. Is this wrong?

 

[Mister B]

I am not an expert, but I take the chick out of the incubator when they hatch. They go into a box with a light, paper towel a little food and water. I put them under the light so they can warm up.

 

[wileshobbyfarm]

Thank you so much for your help. Ill move him now!

I'll post again later. Saying a pray for the little fella. My three year old son is so worried.

 

[Mister B]

Hope he makes it. What kind of chick is it? Keep us informed

 

[wileshobbyfarm]

I'm not sure what type of chicken we have, my friend gave us some fertilized eggs, and her Hens and roosters are all free range. It will be a surprise!

The first chick seems to be doing better. We moved him to the brooder box and he has taken several drinks of water. His strength seems to be improving.

Meanwhile, the second chick has hatched and he seems to be in worse shape than the first. I tell you I'm not sure if I'm cut out for this hatching stuff. It's not for wimps!!

 

[Mister B]

It is kinda gross looking when they come out. Ick!

But, in a little bit, they are the cute little buggers you wanted. They stay that way for a week or so, then they go into teenager mode. They get really....gangly and awkward looking. My daughters watched the hatching. They were fascinated. I was too. I have about 24 in the incubator now. I'm hoping for at least 15 to hatch. Don't be disappointed if some don't hatch. It happens. I waited 3-4 days after the due date before I disposed of the non hatchers. A friend of mine teaches life science and took he non hatchers and inspected the remains. I can't bring myself to do that.

 

[wileshobbyfarm]

So sad to report both little fellas didn't survive. We are so sad but perhaps it is a good lesson for my son after all. We will hope for success with the rest of our hatch.