Anyone ever have a chick born early...

[aoconnor]

I have a little chick that had been partially jerked out of his egg before he was ready to hatch. I have a nasty rooster this spring that is doing that to eggs, he picks them open and kills the chick. This one little chick, I found him before the rooster could kill him. 

This little guy/girl, at first, the whole first day I had it in my office brooder, it kept trying to lay over backwards. It's eyes weren't open, and it was just trying to stay warm. Today it is a little better, up on it's legs more normal, but no eye slits yet except these tiny little slits. He can't see out of those, and I have to keep picking him up and dipping his beak in water to try to keep him hydrated at least. I haven't seen him eat yet. I am hoping that is just the 24/48 hours thing of living off the yolk sac or whatever! I am definitely praying the little guy survives, it sure has taken some guts to stick in there this long. If only he could eat/drink on his/her own. I would be happy with just that.

Oy. Baby chickies. I love them all:-) Most of my little ones this year i will give to my friend, but this one little guy, if it makes it, is staying right here:-)

[shellymay]

Did the little chick make it?

[horseyrider]

aoconnor, I had a bunch this spring that hatched out four days early! I'm afraid my incubator might run a little hot. Most survived, but it was touch and go for a while. One of them couldn't get up; it laid stretched out sideways as I believe you describe. So, I put him, sitting up, in a teacup in the brooder, and left him there. Within a day he got himself up and out, and is fine now.

I hear you about wanting to help every single one. I know that not all will survive the hatch, but I can't help but want to root for the babies, and help them where I can. They're living things, and even though they can grow to the status of obnoxious roosters and schizo hens, I have to do what I can for them. That's on the list of things that are good for me.

[countrymom22]

I hope the little one made it. And that rooster would be Sunday dinner here, or at the very least on lock down when hens are setting.

[aoconnor]

Sadly, I lost the little guy. He sure gave it a good try though. Since then I have lost 3 more, but I have also gotten a couple more that made it. All of my young roosters are leaving, since I just don't know which one is doing this. My older roos are fine, very sweet guys.

At least I tried.

[bergere]

Sorry you lost that one Connor. Hate it when roosters do that to chicks. Is good all the young ones are going away. (hugs)