Strange (to me) what is going on with my 5 day old chick.

[carlape]

I have just purchased 6 chicks they are about 5-10 days old. I got them on Friday night, and Saturday morning I found it on its face with its legs stretched out behind it, eyes opened bu appeared dead wasn't moving. Anyway, after awhile and me trying to help it, it has begun to chirp, it is trying to stand up, but keeps "pushing" its legs, or pushing back. I have a towel around it to support it. I called the breeder/4-H leader, she just said that this was the first one out of 100 without any problems...go figure. Thoughts?
Thanks!
Carla

 

[Eggcessive]

Get some vitamins with electrolytes (SaveAChick) or other brand, and dip it's beak into it several times every hour. A chick chair may help it learn to balance. Here is a good link for leg and foot problems: https://sites.google.com/a/poultrypedia.com/poultrypedia/poultry-podiatry

 

[carlape]

So, the breeder thinks that it is something that I have done...I can't believe it is. Does it have a disease, was stricken with something? I have it on Save-A-Chick and dipping its beak. It appeared to be completely healthy, but very small and dainty. What should I do with it overnight and Monday when I have to work? Should I get up every hour tonight to dip its beak, or will this stress her out? Thoughts?
Thanks!

 

[Eggcessive]

Some chicks just don't make it, so if you have been dipping the beak, showing t where food is, there probably isn't much you can do. If this lady has bred chicks before she should know there will be a few out of 100 that won't make it. That is why hatcheries routinely give an extra chick when you order 25. If you are working at night you are not going to be able to nurse a special needs chick, so you may need to let it make it or not. Will the breeder give you another chick tomorrow?

 

[carlape]

No, I don't work at night, so I am wondering if for tonight (at least) I should get up every hour to dip its beak. Then by Monday it would have a good few days "under its belt". I couldn't believe that statement, and quite honestly, and I know it shouldn't, but it make me judge myself. Thanks again, and you are right, at this point, I have done what I can. No, she isn't willing to "give" me another. She just continued to say that out of 100 they haven't lost one. How does she know, maybe people haven't called her?

 

[Eggcessive]

If you have a TSC nearby, you could probably pick up another chick the same age. Mine requires a minimum purchase of 6 in my state, but some will sell fewer. I hope your little one gets stronger, but these things happen with chicks, especially if you ever hatch your own.

 

[carlape]

Thank you. I hope she gets stronger as well. I appreciate all of your help.
Carla