- May 24, 2010
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I hatched 13 chicks (Light Sussex and Jersey Giants) between Thursday and Saturday and all but 2 hatched flawlessly. Those 2 pipped, zipped and then got stuck. I didnt have a choice, I had to help them hatch. The shell was so glued to the baby chicks their feathers were hard, and they couldnt move. It took a lot of work to get the feathers softened enough to get the shell open.
Long story short, the first chick recovered fast and is doing excellent! The 2nd chick however, never seemed to find his strength. Each time it breathed out I heard a click noise, and his breathing seemed to be very labored. He was lethargic, and "walked" using his leggs and his wings, I guess you could say on all 4's. He would open his eyes when I would chirp at him, and he would respond with his chirp. I kept him seperated with a small stuffed animal and have been nursing him all day long. I kept trying a syringe with Poultry Nutridrench and water, but each time I gave him a drop he would act as though it choked him. A few hours ago he passed away in my hand.
So, what I am wondering is, did I somehow get water into the poor things lungs maybe when I was cleaning him?? I really hope that isnt the case, but it made sense...besides that his chirps sounded great.... any ideas???? I have to add, I am a newbie and this was my first incubation.
Thanks you!
Long story short, the first chick recovered fast and is doing excellent! The 2nd chick however, never seemed to find his strength. Each time it breathed out I heard a click noise, and his breathing seemed to be very labored. He was lethargic, and "walked" using his leggs and his wings, I guess you could say on all 4's. He would open his eyes when I would chirp at him, and he would respond with his chirp. I kept him seperated with a small stuffed animal and have been nursing him all day long. I kept trying a syringe with Poultry Nutridrench and water, but each time I gave him a drop he would act as though it choked him. A few hours ago he passed away in my hand.



So, what I am wondering is, did I somehow get water into the poor things lungs maybe when I was cleaning him?? I really hope that isnt the case, but it made sense...besides that his chirps sounded great.... any ideas???? I have to add, I am a newbie and this was my first incubation.
Thanks you!
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