crushed chick

[chickenfan]

Amongst all the joy of healthy chicks, I've unfortunately had one loss recently of a chick that I think must have been crushed. Pekin mother was scratching very avidly having just got up from her two days sitting on new born chicks. Does this happen sometimes? Can anything be done to prevent it? Chick was found looking dazed after previously eating and drinking happily. I put it under an electric hen but it didn't make it.

 

[chrismahon]

We had one with the skin taken off to the bone on one side of its head Chickenfan, presumably by the hen scratching about on the floor. My first thought was to despatch immediately, but after watching closely it appeared to be perfectly happy so I left it. The skin grew back completely and by 6 months there was no evidence at all of the horrific injury she had sustained as a chick.

I've heard plenty of cases of chick injury caused by the mothers. Can't see anything can be done about it other than hatch and brood artificially.

 

[chickenfan]

Thanks Chris. Amazing how resilient some birds are.