"Failed to thrive".Sad turn of events...I lost the chick that I had hoped was just dehydrated.It had much more serious issues than that lurking under the surface, including a herniated cervical air sac that was getting gradually worse and interferring with its crop. I was able to drain about 3ml of air from the growing lump near the back of its neck, but the syringe also picked up close to 1ml of fluid interspersed with the air...so its respiratory system was failing in a broader way by the time I realied what was going on and intervened. Unfortunately that procedure only bought it a couple hours of relief and improved breathing before things went downhill again. Although I can't know for sure whether it was a congenital problem or due to injury in transit, I feel like an injury is more likely.
That's actually the first chick I've lost before reaching a year old if I don't count a couple of incubation quitters that never fully developed. The other five chicks seem just fine so far. Having only ordered 4, still having 5, and knowing that chick losses are just one of those things that happens that one has to be ready for, I feel like I shouldn't be in the dumps about it...but still kind off feels like a crummy start with this batch between the broody fail and then losing one.
I had a dozen eggs shipped to me last year. Seven hatched, one died on day 3. It happens.
