Hi folks,
I only seem to come on here when I've got a problem!
I've just hatched the first batch of chicks from my own flock over the weekend, so they are 3-5 days old, and some of the chicks have shown problems.
One has a leg angled forward and one back. It can walk around, eat and drink ok but will it correct itself, can I intervene, I've read about splints and things, what's the best course of action in this case?
Worse than this is one who can't stand at all, it's pushing itself around on it's elbows and chest so it can't really feed or drink without me, it's just lying face down. I've tried stretching its legs but the feet won't take the weight.
Anyway I've come to the conclusion it's got to be put out of its misery, but how should I do this? I don't want to try breaking its neck as I have done to dispatch a table chicken, I wondered if there's anything more passive that can be done by me at home? Is there any medicine I might have that would help it pass away quietly or anything I can do that's more gentle?
Failing that I'll have to go to the vet for it to be put to sleep, I can't bring myself to do anything physical, it's so small I wouldn't dare in case I hurt it more.
Something else I have noticed is chicks with their eyes closed leaning forward, as if trying to sleep? As soon as they are disturbed they perk up again but it seems strange. I've brought those chicks out when I see it happen and give them a few drops of water and crumbs in case they haven't worked out how to eat and drink yet, and I show them how to use the drinker and feeder.
It seems to work on most but I lost one chick that way yesterday, I even brought it back to the incubator to make sure it was warm enough and so I could keep a close eye. Is this a disease or is it just where they are fading away due to lack of food and water? Are they too warm or cold?
This is a new venture for me, I've used broodies for the last 2 lots of chicks and the mum did all this, the chicks came on with no problems.
I hope someone can help? Thanks for reading
Helen