Splayed legs and one eyed chick.

[Anonymous]

Hi
Latest hatching has produced one strong bouncy Lavender Pekin. Also a Buff Cochin that appears to have one eye only half open. Any advice about this?
The other Buff Cochin has splayed legs, but seems strong.. I know there has been discussion about this before...do they pick up as they grow?
Thanks

 

[Davidd]

Hello, is the eye stuck up with hatching residue? You can try bathing it in warm water and see if it will open fully- as for he splayed legs they are normally caused by a slippery hatching surface- you need to hatch on a hatching mat or something none slip to avoid the problem. I would try and splint the legs and tie them together- otherwise the chick will not be able to walk. You need to do this very soon after hatching for it to be of any use. Good luck and let us know how they get on.
regards, David

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks very much.I have tried bathing the eye as I do think it is stuck with hatching residue. I will try again. How would you advise to do the splinting?

 

[Davidd]

Hi, try tying the legs with micropore- use a "brace" in the middle - anything you have handy- cover it with tape or bandage- you could even try the things they sell on ebay - chicken splints.Or sticking plasters (just be careful when you try to remove them) you need to do it now if the chick has any chance.
regards, David

 

[Anonymous]

We tried the plasters but it didn't work very well. He is standing up now and seems fairly stable.What fragile little things they are!!