I just hatched out a bunch of chicks; two were a day late hatching; they had roughly 1/3 of the shell off but I could tell the membranes were dry and stiff, so finally I "helped" them by pulling away a bit more shell, thus freeing a foot so they could struggle themselves out. One is fine and I transferred him to my brooder box. The other has an unabsorbed yolk sac hanging under him and I don't have a clue what to do. Obviously I should not have "assisted" him. Never had this happen and don't know if he'll die...? Or will he absorb the yolk? I've left him in the incubator, because I think the other chicks will peck at the sac? Please help--I did a search at poultryconnection but found nothing.

Thanks,

-- Elizabeth in E TX (kimprice@peoplescom.net), February 13, 2002

Answers

The yolk sac is suppose to be reabsobed, so that the chick will have a nutritional supply for the first few days of life, thus allowing for nutrition during the adjustment peroid, without it the chick may not survive. I think you were correct not to put this chick in with the others, for the reasons you stated.

-- BC (desertdweller44@yahoo.com), February 13, 2002.

I have had some chicks hatch with some pretty substantial "hangers" dragging around. these survived ok although it sounds as though yours might be more premature than mine were. as BC said seperation and if it lives you might keep in mind that it will probably have a more immediate need to be introduced to water and food than most. goodluck

-- B. Lackie - Zone3 (cwrench@hotmail.com), February 13, 2002.