Weak chick! HELP!

[jaimemassey]

Hey guys,
this is my first time posting and first time hatching eggs. I was really concerned about my chicks being stuck ( before I read to leave them 24 hrs after pipping before 'helping' ) and helped 3 of them out of their shells too early, before they had absorbed their yolk sacs all the way. 2 of them healed nicely but the third was on its back for the first day ( thats how long it took to absorb the yolk ) and has slowly been getting stronger since. it has totally fluffed out and can stand on it's legs and walk for very short periods of time. it can only stand for a few seconds though before it seems almost narcoleptic and lays down. I don't know if it is eating or drinking and it shows no interest when I show it food or water. I made a concoction of egg yolk, honey and a touch of yogurt for it to eat and may have gotten VERY small amounts into the chick. the chick pooped when I went to feed it this afternoon, should I take that as a good sign? I am concerned that this baby is going to die ..... what else can I do to help it? do you think it will survive??

I'm Sooooo concerned!

 

[fried green eggs]

Did you dip it's beak in water and see it swallows ? You might want to make a wet mash of chick feed with water & plain reg. yogurt. You may need to dip it's beak to get it to eat too. It's hard work hatching and can be very tired for a day or two. The fact that it is walking and the plumbing is working is a good sign but, you may want to pick up some Save-A-Chick at feed store in the morning. Hope it's doing better soon.

 

[jaimemassey]

I did try water and chick feed moistened with water and it really didnt seem interested. I tried plain chick starter ( dry ) too. when I dip it's beak in the wet items it just shakes its head and then makes swallowing movements, but I can't tell if it sucked some liquid in or not?? The chick is in with all the other chicks in the brooder and seems to hold it's own. my hubby says he saw it eat and drink, but I have yet to see that myself. I got fertilized eggs from someone here in town ( my first chickens are hens, 6 of them, and I live in city limits so can't have roosters ) and this little guy is the only one that looks like him ( or her ) .... I really want it to survive. I got 100% hatch rate on my chicks and would be devestated to lose this one now Thanks for your help!

 

[fried green eggs]

If it's holding it's own and hubby has seen it eat & drink - it should make it

Congrats on the 100% hatch! Hope with all your efforts - it doesn't turn out to be a rooster. Good Luck.