Single chick just hatched! What do I do?

[gajoob]

We have three red star hens and when one went broody we went and bought six fertilized eggs for her to sit on. When we put the eggs under her and took out some of the old ones, she got upset and stopped sitting on the nest. Since we had fertilized eggs we made our own incubator and tried to hatch them ourselves. Well, one made it and just hatched. Her or she is peeping like crazy and laying on its back. Do I move it, keep it in its box? I know it needs buddies but I'm not sure what to do to help it over these next several days. Can anyone advise? Thanks,

Carlos

ps right now it is in a room with a space heater/cardboard box setup. I didn't think any of them would actually hatch. This is so crazy!

 

[CMV]

You've had chicks before, so I am sure you know what to do. Right the chick- you may need to build a small donut/nest to keep it upright for the first few days. Keep it at a consistent 95 degrees. Give it access to resources. Give it a small stuffed animal to keep it company.

Good luck.

 

[nivtup]

Good advice.

Get more chicks to keep it company.

 

[CMV]

Good advice.

Get more chicks to keep it company.

Even better advice. Chicks are a dime a dozen this time of year.

 

[gajoob]

Thanks for the advice, I had definitely planned on getting some more chicks. I'm afraid that it has curled toes/weak legs, though. I read about putting "shoes" or a splint on it, but I'm not sure how long I should wait. Should I make it a doughnut and wait a couple of days? I don't want to buy more chicks until I'm sure this one is viable.

It stands on curled up toes, and then its legs fall out from under it and it falls on its face. I can't take a pic, but the toes are curled inwards like a closed fist, and it can't seem to straighten them out to stand.

Again, I appreciate the help.

 

[CMV]

Put the boots on and park the little guy in the donut with them on. You want to try to fix the toes ASAP. The longer you wait the less chance of successful treatment.

 

[gajoob]

The toes are straight and s/he's standing like a champ. No walking yet. It's only about 20 hours old. Also, this is actually my first chick. My hens I bought full-grown.

 

[CMV]

Nice work then. I figured you had raised your current flock up from chicks.