Quail not walking!!

[Hannahsquail]

Need some advice.

I have had 2 quails hatch at 3:30pm today..it’s now 9:32pm and one is walking (stumbling still) one foot is okay but the other is permanently on its side.

The second baby quail is not able to lift its head up (that’s what it looks like) and can not walk (but this ones feet are fine.)

Advice on how I should help them? I’ve kept them separate from the other 4 that have hatched. These two are still in the incubator.

 

[Eggcessive]

First, I am not experienced with quail, just chickens. I am tagging @Kiki or any others who know quail. I would get some Poultry Cell vitamins and give her a drop or two daily.

 

[Kiki]

There isn't much you can do.

 

[JaeG]

If they've had a hard time hatching then they will be tired. Quail can be very tough so don't give up yet.

I've had a couple of baby quail hatch with curled feet and they have come right all by themselves. One came right overnight and the other had one foot that was badly curled - I couldn't straighten it at the ankle to even set it to correct it. It was getting along just fine and I was prepared to keep it as a pet. A week later it was walking flat on its foot but still had a kink in its ankle. A few days later I couldn't tell which quail it was anymore.

I've also had one I helped hatch. It lay in the incubator for about 24 hours on its side twitching. I didn't think it would make it but the next morning it was bouncing around in the incubator completely fine. So give them a chance.

 

[Hannahsquail]

Yes these I both had to assist hatching. A few didn’t make it due to pipping and not able to hatch because I didn’t help them, but these two I assisted with after a day of pipping and them starting to dry up. The one that can’t lift its head is shaking at the moment so I suppose I’ll just have to keep my fingers crossed..the one with what I suspect is curled toes is doing fine apart from tripping a bit. I have seen people use masking tape to put their feet the right way? Put the toes flat and then their feet go back to normal? Is this an option I should try??xx

 

[JaeG]

I'd leave it 24 hours to see if the toes straighten by themselves. Leave the other one in the incubator until it's on its feet. It's quite possibly just exhausted. Put a cloth in the brooder as they will snuggle up into the folds which is good for their feet. Like this:



Fingers crossed.

 

[Hannahsquail]

Great, thank you everyone. I will keep you all updated tomorrow morning

 

[Kiki]

I find that if the quail isn't able to get out of the egg on its own then it usually isn't meant to be so prepared yourself for these to not make it.

 

[Hannahsquail]

One of the quails is perfectly fine now. Creeping away and it’s foot is normal BUT, it hasn’t seemed to fluff up? Is there any chance I could get some water on it and gently wipe with a cotton bud???
I did put it with the other 4 but they kept pecking it so I’ve put him



the other is still not walking but it has been very active and even raising its head here and there so it is improving, just slow xx

 

[JaeG]

It may be what's known as a sticky chick where there was a bit too much fluid left in the egg when it hatched. He may need a gentle wash off but make sure he's toasty warm to dry off again.

They can peck at each other and I had one recently that was an absolute menace (first time I've struck that). I actually stuck him back in the incubator for a few hours and that seemed to calm him down, being away from the safety of the flock. He'd then only occasionally grab at the others.

Maybe help your little non mobile one have a drink and see if it will eat. Sprinkle food near its head and tap at it to encourage it to eat. Hopefully once it regains a bit of strength it will get better, and if not, at least you tried.