[mias chooks]

hi,

I have a HUGE problem in the size of a tiny chick. 2 days ago Angel hatched, on the 23ed day of incubation, the last chicks to hatch hatched about 12 hours before. it is a jersey giant, gender unknown, but reffered to as a she. something was wrong with her from the beginning. she has always been way to small! its bitsy! her  left foot was curled up, and after lots of reserch we found it could be fixed, so we made her a chick boot. she wouldn't eat whatsoever, so I started force feeding her, popping chick crubs in her mouth, then she would gobble them down, or squeezing water into her mouth. she has been seperated from the other 12 chicks, in a box on the argor. know it comes out she might be blind or incredibly short sighted. move a pen past her very quickly and she doesn't notice it, won't evan blink, she always squeeks unless she is wrapped in a towl, or huddled up to me. a few minuets ago I poured lots of chick crumbs on the table and tapped it alot with my finger, she would try and peck abit but always missed. we brought another chick over for her, all she did was huddle under it and try to go under its legs, thinking it was mummy, both chicks are know on the argor again. we don't know what to do, if things don't perk up by saturday (going on holiday) then she gets the chop

anything at all you can say to help would be grateful. also, I was wondering if blind chickens can survive? what if I gave her to an experianced chick owner?

[IMOmimey]

out of interest, did you help her out of her shell?

[mias chooks]

nope, she hatched out while I was sleeping

[oddpaws]

Was she hatched in an incubator or a broody?

[GrannieAnnie]

In my last flock I had a chick that was blind in one eye.  I knew she wouldn't survive in amongst lots of others, but I asked one lady if she wanted her in with her 3, and the lady said she would love to have her and give her a wonderful life, half blind or not! So don't give up on her yet, but it depends how much time and patience you have.

I try to give them a chance before I give them the chop.

[mias chooks]

in an incubator

yeah, the only problem is she won't eat, so when I go on holiday, there is none capable of force feeding her

[oddpaws]

I suppose all i can say is that you should go with your instincts on this one. you know the level of care you can give it and are begining to see the capabilities (or lack of them) in this chick. Do what you feel would be best for her and you. Its a tough call as you are already attached to her. sorry I cant be more help

[mias chooks]

good news! her foot is fully healed, turns out she's half blind and cn see the colour red! she ate a bit of food and water on her own oday!

[iwantanallotment]

mia, I'm happy to look after her during your hols if you're still concerned?
Just PM if you think she may still need some TLC, if you can get her to me I'll be happy to help.

[mias chooks]

thankyou very much for the offer just got back from holiday, she's eating on her own and is acting like a normal chick know she's just a third of the size of the others! 

[iwantanallotment]

Wow that's fantastic!

Bet you're soooo glad you gave her a chance    Good luck with her.

[oddpaws]

Great news looks like you knew best all along