I let one of my hens have a go at hatching eggs for the first time, and she managed one (she’s such a good mum!). For the most part I’ve been leaving her to do the work, but we have had a couple of problems.
The chick was born lame/limping badly. From what I can find out this was possibly to do with a nutrient deficiency in the egg (eggs did not come from my chickens). Since she’s been on chick crumb and the odd bit of greenery the leg has improved and she’s walking much better now.
She is now 4 weeks old and for the last week or so has had a rather large bald lump on her right shoulder, and there is a slightly smaller one on the left shoulder.
There is definitely fluid on the left shoulder, but the right shoulder feels pretty solid. I’ve just been to take a look, but as her crop was full it was hard to tell exactly what was going on. I’ve attached pictures. If anyone has any ideas of what to do it would be much appreciated!
Thanks