The Hatch! Plus a Concern

[NerdyBirdy]

First time using a Brinsea mini eco and we got 8 out of 10 button quail eggs to hatch on the same day! 7 of them are doing well in the brooder set-up, but I am concerned about one of them. Although he is able to walk, when at rest his legs go off in different directions. Is this something that I can expect to fix itself (he was the last to hatch), or do I need to look at splinting him? Thanks for any advice.

Cheers,
V.

 

[SunnyAlberta]

What do you have as the floor of your brooder?

 

[GrandmaBird]

Splint as soon as you can the sooner the better. He has spraddle leg and if not corrected he would be best culled. You must use nonslip flooring for baby buttons do not use paper towel or newspaper. You can buy the nonslip/skid shelf liner at most discount stores it is made by Rubbermaid and can be cut to size and hand or machine washed! It is easy to use and it gives the chicks something to grip when walking. Good luck with this one.

 

[NerdyBirdy]

Good news! When I moved the group from the incubator to the brooder, which is lined with a type of astroturf-like liner, the problem seemed to fix itself over a few hours. The liner is basically what you use for reptile tanks and keeps their nails from getting caught. As far as the incubator goes, can I line that as well without it causing any harm to future clutches?