Please help.... UPDATED

[N_Georgia]

We had a chick hatch on Sunday and it lived 6-8 hours before we found it on it's back dead. Then this one hatched this morning at approx 8am. It acts like it is cold. It is shivering and panting like a dog. The temp is about 105 directly under the light and around 90 in the far corner. It acts like is doesn't like the light but it is still shivering. I found it several times on its back. It cannot well walk yet just sort of balances on its butt. I grew up on a commercial farm and usually a chicken on its back is a dead chicken. Watch this video and tell me what you think is wrong. I have 13 more to hatch and it's not looking good so far.

 

[Chickie15]

My guess is too hot? He seems to be panting like my older chickens do when they're hot and trying to cool themselves down. Some one with more experience could probably help you more.

 

[rebel yell]

Are they spraddle legged?

 

[debilorrah]

First off, 105 is WAY too hot for that little guy. Secondly, get some water in it - I bet it is dehydrated from the heat. The heat should be about 10 degrees cooler under direct heat, then down 5 degrees for each week as they grow.

 

[mississippifarmboy]

If it's panting it's probably too hot. 105 is a bit hot, even under the light. It should be around 95 - 100 Right under the light, they'll get under it if they are cold and move away if they are hot. Did you leave it in the incubator for a day before putting it in the brooder to be sure it was totally dry? Also be sure and not put the feed & water under the light.
Not sure if that's any help, but I wish you luck!

 

[SilkieTime]

I keep mine in the incubator for three days from first chick hatched, not sure what to do at this point. Looks hot and cared, you only hatched one chick?

 

[blefky]

I keep the temp in the brooder at about 95 degrees under the light, and obviously it's lower as they move away. Lower it by 5 degrees per week until it's room temp. I also notice that you have him in a plastic walled brooder, not necessarily a problem but they do tend to hold more heat in. He looks way overheated. I'd lower the temp and maybe show him again where the water is.

 

[debilorrah]

Quote:
No, the original post said they have 13 more to hatch out.

 

[Julie08]

yes thats way to hot, I dont think its shivering I think it looks like its shivering because of the panting. Thats why it keeps moving away from the light. Lower the temp and get some water in it.

ETA: Put some paper towels down over the shavings for now as well. Are they pineshavings? Can tell because of the colour of the light. You can not use cedar for chickens.

 

[MandyH]

Reduce the heat in the brooder to 95 directly under the light. Also, leave the chicks in the hatcher for a while to dry off and get acclimated. Sometimes if the humidity is too low and the have to struggle to hatch, they will come out and flip over on their back. I guess it's from having to work so hard to get out of the shell that when they get out they just can't get it together. Check your humidity.