2009 Omlet cube and run for sale

[thebdj]

Hi,

 

I've got a problem with a couple of bantams that have hatched in the last 24 hours in the incubator. They can't stand up properly and their legs almost look to be coming over their 'ears'. They try frantically every now and then but just sort of roll around in the incubator not achieving a great deal and getting very tired. They have both been out for about 24 hours now and have fully fluffed up but appear to be making little sign of progress.

 

Has anyone seen this sort of thing before or can comment on what it may be? I've got no issue dispatching the chicks if Mother Nature has been cruel on them but I only have a small flock (50 birds) and can invest the time into any animal that needs special care and/or attention. I don't want to think anything has to go unless it is right for the animal.

 

Cheers

Justin

[meezers]

I can't quite picture what you mean. How long did they take to hatch ? I did have a chick that I had to help out of the shell after 24hrs, he could stand, but couldn't walk without falling over, his legs were in a sort of cramped/ bent position ( similar to a chick 'walking on it's hocks', but not quite), I decided maybe his muscles/ligaments were cramped from the extra time in the shell.He could straighten his legs, but they seemed to fold under his weight. I thought I'd have to cull him, but I stretched his legs a few times and gently massaged the joints and he was able to walk 12 hours later- was still a bit wobbly for a couple of days though. He's 8 weeks old now and fit as a fiddle.

[thebdj]

Ok, the best way I can describe it is like this ...

 

Imagine YOU are a chicken ok. Now sit on the floor. Now imagine that your legs are almost bent up so that they are coming over your ears. Now try and stand up.

 

Ridiculous description but strangely accurate

[meezers]

Ok, the best way I can describe it is like this ...

 

Imagine YOU are a chicken ok. Now sit on the floor. Now imagine that your legs are almost bent up so that they are coming over your ears. Now try and stand up.

 

Ridiculous description but strangely accurate

 

 

Hmm, sounds a more extreme version of my Dilbert. Have you tried putting their legs into the correct position ? can you ? and will they stay there a while ? if so, I'd do that as often as you can. With Dilbert I also braced his legs with my fingers, so they were straight , and stood him like that for a few minutes several times. But it sounds as though yours are more acute and being older ( I started with Dilbert when he was a few hours old ) it may be too late to make any difference. Hope someone more experienced will have some suggestions , but if they can't reach food and water , I think you'll have to cull them.

[Redwing]

I've had a couple like that, the exact pose that you describe, mine sort of paddled their feet on the ground and wagged their heads too

 

I gave them two days to straighten up but they didnt so I ended up culling them

[Egluntyne]

Can you post a photo? I can't quite picture it either. Is is more extreme than bog standard splayed legs?

[Lewis]

How are they getting on?

 

Photo would be good.