kittyl Posted May 26, 2012 Share Posted May 26, 2012 Spotty's 2 chicks are 3 days old now, one is really lively & inquisitive. The other is smaller & weaker, chirps alot but dispite Spotty's efforts it doesnt seem to be eating or drinking. It goes to the food with the other one & stands in it, but I've not yet seen it eat. I dont think it's thriving, is there anything I can do to encourage it? I'll be so sad if it dies & she only has one. Is it best just to leave it to Spotty? or should I intervene? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mimi5 Posted May 26, 2012 Share Posted May 26, 2012 Sorry to hear that Kitty. It sounds so familiar what your describing, that's what happened with my only aruacana egg that hatched. Milly(mum) was very good trying to encourage it and keeping it warm (lots of loud insistant cheeping can be a sign that thre're cold) But I did dip it's beak a couple of times myself just to be sure it was offered watered (I had seen it eat & drink, but then it stopped) In the end I had to make a really heart breaking decision as mum had gotetn off the chick and it was laying on it's side & very weak. I watched as she trampled over it directing the other chicks and scratching about like it wasn't there!!!! I was leaving for work and took the little one out, wrapped it in a small towel and placed it in a box in the garage to slip away peacefully. Cried most of the way to work. (Hubby called mid morning to say he had checked on the chick and it had passed away.) I felt powerless, but this senario seems to be a part of hatching as you and I are learning. It's a bit like those that die in their shells or just don't quite manage the hatch. Let's know what happens? Maybe you could get a friend for the other chick?? Any breeders near you may have chicks for sale. Best wishes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kittyl Posted May 26, 2012 Author Share Posted May 26, 2012 would Spotty accept another chick that wasnt hers? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mimi5 Posted May 27, 2012 Share Posted May 27, 2012 Sorry Kitty I really don't know. Maybe start a different topic post?? If you weren't using a hen and brooding yourself with a lamp I think you can. But I'm sure I've read about single hatchlings doing well with a broody mum. Any news on the chick? Best wishes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kittyl Posted May 28, 2012 Author Share Posted May 28, 2012 Well he's still going 5 days old today! My son named him Giblet, he hasnt got any worse, but he's not grown either & the other chick - (Twinkle) is much bigger, madly lively & pecks poor Giblet sometimes. I still havent seen him eat or drink but how could he still be alive if he hasnt? He keeps worrying at a patch on himself & wants to be under Spotty all the time, if she gets up he cries, I wonder if she'll get fed up with him soon. He must have some fight in him to keep going. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
