Wet paper towel versus coconut oil?

[Ausdotte]

I was previously using a wet paper towel to try and stop my hatching chicks from shrink wrapping, and then I read on here that it is better to use coconut oil because that doesn't evaporate and make them cold. So I tried it, my chick (a silkie) hatched out okay, but didn't fluff up after a day and didn't look very happy, so I have just washed it and stuck it back in the incubator to dry out a bit.
It's fluffing up now and is moving around, although it seems very reluctant to open it's eyes, and I am hoping it hasn't got coconut oil or dish washing liquid in them.
So, does anybody that uses coconut oil have similar problems or solutions, and why coconut oil? Why not baby oil or rice oil or olive oil etc... ?

 

[Ausdotte]

Also wondering if one of it's fellow hatchlings gave it a peck on the head.

 

[Altfrizzle]

Coconut oil has natural antibacterial properties.

What day did it hatch on? How long ago?

 

[Ausdotte]

Hatched yesterday. Not sure what number day it hatched on, wasn't the first or the last to hatch though.
Had plenty of time to fluff up and it must have been the enthusiastic application of oil that prevented that.

 

[Altfrizzle]

Sometimes if they've had a hard hatch, they rest a lot with eyes closed on the first day or so. I wouldn't worry yet.

Yes, I think you did maybe use a bit much coconut oil.

 

[Ausdotte]

Looking a bit better

 

[Chicken Boy 101]

Coconut oil won't hurt their eyes maybe it was dish soap.

 

[Ravynscroft]

Was it's down dried stiff and crunchy?

 

[Ausdotte]

No, it wasn't stiff it was pliable but sort of stuck down with oil, preventing it from fluffing. It's looking worse this morning, I don't think it is long for this world.
I think things would have turned out better if I had washed it straight away. Also I think because it was weak and different the other chicks picked on it a bit, next time I hatch chicks out I might set up a second brooder box for the ones that are looking a bit feeble.

 

[Ravynscroft]

Oh, dang, so sorry... does sound like it has other issues... I have used a lot of coconut oil on Call ducklings and it's never caused an issue... vaseline though, that stuff will keep their down slicked back FOREVER, I swear...