Chick hatched with brown hairs failing to thrive

[Abigrayl]

4 days ago I had a chick hatch with what appeared to be long brown hairs in addition to his yellow down. Day 2 I noticed he seemed to be unsteady on his feet but I just thought he needed some more time. Day 3 and he was screaming a lot but eventually seemed to settle down in the sun - he is with his mom. Day 4 and he was screaming so much I brought him inside but it is actually driving me insane. Unless he’s very hot and wrapped up with a hot water bottle he is screaming. He drank quite a bit of “nutridrench” but hasn’t eaten anything but he has made a poop.

I’m not set up for looking after him inside so trying my best.

Do the hairs have anything to do with whatever is wrong with him?

Update: Seems he wants to eat but his depth perception or something is out.

 

[arianna7]

It sounds like you’re having a tough time with your chick! Those long brown hairs might just be leftover bits from the egg or even some feathers from his mom, so they probably aren’t the main issue. The unsteadiness and all the screaming could be a few things. He might just be weak or tired since he’s not eating much. It’s great that he’s drinking NutriDrench, but he really needs to start munching on some solid food too.

If he’s having trouble with his depth perception, that could explain why he’s struggling to find food. Chicks can be a bit wobbly when they’re new, and if he’s stressed from being away from his mom, that’s definitely adding to the chaos.

Try offering him some soft food, like mashed hard-boiled eggs or a wet chick starter mash. That might help him get some nutrition without having to chase after it. Make sure he has a comfy, quiet spot to chill out in—sometimes just feeling secure can really help.

If you think it’s safe, consider putting him back with his mom and siblings. Being with them might calm him down a bit. Keep an eye on his poops and overall vibe, and if he keeps screaming or seems worse, it might be a good idea to check in with a vet who knows about chickens. You’re doing your best to care for him, so hang in there! Hopefully, he’ll start feeling better soon.

 

[Abigrayl]

Hey - thank you so much. So yesterday I realized he must be visually impaired because when I went to give him some more Nutridrench I dipped his head in the water and he just drank and drank and drank even though he had water in his box. And then he started scratching the floor pecking for food but he wasn't on target. And then I remembered that poop he made looked like it had a ton of sand in it. I think out of desperation he was just eating sand.

So anyway I plan on giving him boiled egg blended for breakfast - maybe he will eat that. And then he will have to stay with his Mom and siblings while I am at work today. I will give him something to drink and eat when I get back again.

He slept with them last night and Mom hasn't shown any aggression. I've got them in one of those stand in aviaries this week because Mom isn't the best with keeping track of the chicks so he will be safe and we're in the middle of a heat wave so although the Avery is completely in the shade all day the ambient temperature is high enough that he won't get too cold.

I found an article on caring for a blind chicken: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/raising-a-blind-or-partially-sighted-chicken.75986/