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[kettleCreeker]

This site has been invaluable to me in the past several years, and although I haven't had the occasion to post lately, I do now. We have mainly bantams right now, and 2 large sex-link hens. Yesterday one of the large hens started to rip the eggs out of one of the nests where two bantam hens are sitting, and eat them. In doing so, before I could stop her, she ate a chick that was only a few days from hatching. I put her out of the main coop. This morning I heard more commotion and found something else had been at the eggs, and there was a baby laying in the nesting box. The mother hen ignored it, and it was breathing, eyes closed. I took it and put it in a box with a heating pad. Shortly afterwards it opened its eyes and began to peep. Just looking at it I realize it needed a few more days in the egg. But, it's moving around, so I gave it some water. It's wing has been pecked, so I put neosporin on it. Now, do I give this chick regular chick food, or what? It's got a lot of fight in it, and I will try to keep it alive. Has anyone had any experience with this happening? By that I mean a chick being taken out of the shell before it should hatch normally? Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[arlee453]

I think you are doing all the right things - give a warm brooder, regular chick starter and clean water (add a chick-booster type electrolyte/vitamin suppliment like AviaCharge or quikChick, etc to give him an extra boost if you like)

Treat any wounds and hope for the best!

Hope he/she pulls through for you! And WELCOME!!

 

[bangor777]

Sounds like the yolk sac was absorbed (since you didn't mention that being a problem) So the little one was ready to hatch. Sounds like you're doing everything right. Any pics of the little one. I think you should name it 'lucky'

 

[kettleCreeker]

Thank you both for your help. The little one is vastly improved, and we are amazed. And it really is little! We are going to try and put it back in with the mother tomorrow night, as she is still sitting on eggs. We'll be sure and see what her reaction is, as we don't want this little one pecked again. We named it Pipsqueak.

 

[chick4chicks]

Sending you best wishes for Pipsqueak. Hope all goes well and hope Momma takes care of it. Keep up the good work.