Okay, thank you. I have left it alone hoping not to cause complications. I do worry that it isn't eating though as it doesn't weigh what I expect when I pick it up. It seems somewhat lethargic and weak compared to the others and just hides under the broody hen (who hatched it along with a few others) all day. I have seen it drinking and I'm adding Nutridrench to the water right now to give it a boost.
Oh, and I have been watching the hen and other chicks. The hen has been very careful of it. She seems to realize it's not ready to run around yet and is staying still in the brooder box. I can/will remove the chick if necessary.
I don't think it matters, but couldn't hurt to lightly cover the whole thing.
He may not eat or drink much for the first 2-3 days, since he's been getting nutrition from the yolk he's absorbed. But if he'll drink, yes - add electrolytes to the water. Sugar water wouldn't hurt, either - and will give a boost of energy. If he hasn't already learned, you must dip his beak into the water a few times so he'll get the idea.
I dunno, but it will probably dry out before it spoils anyway. Just mix a spoonful at a time for him, and try to get him to eat it. I'd cook some egg and keep it in the fridge to use as needed. But keep dry chick feed out at all times anyway.
Don't worry about food for a few days. Chicks get all the nutrition and water they need from the absorbed yolk for 2-3 days. But if it's drinking already, then hooray! Yes, Nutri-Drench is a great approach. Fingers crossed, and it sounds like Mama hasn't rejected it, so it's all good!
