Pre-mature hatch assist

[Isabelstu]

recently I had one of my pekin ladies hatch some babies, she is a first time mum so I knew I was going to take a risk with her. 2 of 3 eggs had hatched and she was doing amazing! But this morning when I checked on her the last egg had been thrown down the ramp of the hen house and she and her babies were pecking and stepping on it. Fully expecting the baby to be dead I pick it up and hear it chirping. I don’t have an incubator so I put it under a heat lamp….. well now it’s fully hatched out and the baby hasn’t fully absorbed the yolk and seems to have a swollen head, is there any chance it can still make it?

The last photo is for reference to see the swollen head
It is Chirping loud, not quite able to stand but can roll around effectively, has typical new hatch behaviour

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Nothing much you can do but wait and see. Generally in 24 hours they rally or pass.

 

[FoodFreedomNow]

That's a tough start for the little one. I'd put some antibiotic ointment (without pain reliever) on the navel to help prevent infection while it heals, if possible.

Sending good wishes for him or her!