What's wrong with this baby chick?

[Fombellchicks]

Hi,
I had my first batch hatch this last weekend. One of the 9 chicks that hatched has severe issues. He/She can't stand up, always lays down - mostly on his/her back. Its wings are pointed forward and usually laying next to its head - instead of tucked on its body and its legs are always straight out the back/tail. Also it arches its head back all lot of times.

It can't get it's feed under itself. Yesterday it was laying mostly on the back and shaking like it is having seizures. I was hoping it would die over night because I felt really bad for it but it was still chirping this morning. If I put it on its feet it flips back on its back within seconds and just lays there.

It is a Plymouth Barred Rock chick.
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UPDATE: I did finally find the nerve later this morning to put and end to the little guy's suffering. He/she will receive a proper burial this afternoon.

 

[TennesseeTruly]

I don't have any ideas what's wrong with it but I think the humane thing to do would be to cull it. It seems like it might be suffering, poor thing.


Laurie

 

[zebandamber04]

You definitely want to cull that chick. It would be the right thing to do.

 

[Picky Chicky]

This is where I would turn into a complete wuss and beg my husband to 'take care of it'. The only living thing I've ever been able to "Dr. Kevorkian" are fish with tail rot. Good luck and we're all so sorry this happened to you and the baby chick.