This is weird

[Minniechickmama]

I am hatching, and one chick was fine out of the shell. It dried and climbed around in the bator just fine. I put it in the little starter brooder next to the bators where I put them as they dry. They are on shavings covered by a couple of layers of paper towels. So, after about 24-hours, this one chick starts flipping over on its back all the time, like it all of the sudden doesn't know how to use its legs. What???? I gave it a drop of PolyViSol, and I gave it a little sugar water too. There is water in there and I set some starter, which is like corn meal where I am getting it. Does anyone have any light to shine on this situation? I have been hatching a lot now and I have never seen this. My other incubation problems, I think I am figuring out, I hope.
Hatching chicks from shipped eggs is not for the faint of heart.
I had to put another chick down because it had a totally screwed up leg. It was curled up under it when it dried. The hock was very enlarged and even bled, though I don't know why. The foot, you could see, was not getting proper circulation and was swollen. I didn't think it was worth messing with at this point and put it down. The last gimpy legged chick I saved is a couple of months old and still walks all wobbly and I won't be able to use it to breed. Maybe someone with a bigger heart than mine will take her for a layer without an roos around.
Any thoughts on this matter would be appreciated.
Thanks.

 

[punk-a-doodle]

Did it look like a possible neurological issue? Especially if the neck was stiff or twisted, that's something I would suspect, especially if it was a late hatcher or had a restricted air supply at any time. Had a pair of swans hatch that way at an aviary I used to work at. It was utter sadness to watch. But, yours may look nothing like that, hard to say, especially without seeing it. I'm sure someone here with experience has seen something similar though, and will be able to help you.

In the mean time, here are some links a google search turned up about chicks being on their backs:
- http://www.silkiechickens.com/splayed_leg_in_chicks.htm
- http://farmingfriends.com/forums/topic.php?id=1866
- http://ps.fass.org/cgi/content/abstract/78/2/178

 

[Minniechickmama]

thanks for the links. It doesn't sound the same, but it was good info, especially since I am also raising ducks and trying to hatch turkeys too.

 

[snazzyboots]

i have seen posts like this one on here. not sure what the outcome was though. good luck sorry about your chick

 

[Minniechickmama]

Well, now I have another one doing the same thing. SO, is it an incubation issue? I am having problems with incubation, so I would be open to thoughts with that.