I had a baby chick hatch that has something wrong with its legs. Here are some photos.
Chicken Legs
Another one.
Seems like his legs are to far apart. He cannot get up on his legs and uses his wings for balance. Not sure if we can splint them up. Tape them together. Or maybe just have to put him down? He of course is the littlest and cutest of them all and is so spunky!
He is so cute!!! Don't put him down, Can you mix some mash with warm water and feed him thru and eye-dropper? Maybe in a few days his legs will get stronger and maybe come together better? I hope. Also Karbear I wanted to check with you on your Serama eggs? Are they doing alright? Have you candled them for viability or what? Haystack
Catscan or was it Claire who can make a splint out of a bandaid. Silkiechick could probably help too.
Knock on wood, I haven't had to splint one yet.
If it's still splayed, it may need to be splinted.. Sometimes they come out of it on their own..
That's one lil fatty.. no wonder it can't get that big giant belly off the ground! LOL
*just kidding!*
I have used polar fleece ties for splayed legs. Here is what it looks like.
I would recommend not using red (unlike in this picture!) because they tend to peck at red more.
I tie gently around each leg. I use polar fleece because it's stretchy so they can still walk and exercise their legs, but the legs are kept in proper position. I keep the tie on for about a week and usually that does the trick.
Sometimes it doesn't work though, so be prepared for a sad ending, just in case.
That sure is one cute pudge pocket! I have not had to splint any either.
I have had toes that would not uncurl. I used tape and it worked well. Many times they just need time to develope strength. Best wishes to that cutie!!
I do pretty much the same thing with tiny rubber bands. I loop two of them together like a figure 8 and slip them over the feet and legs. They don't fit tight on the legs and the chick gets enough resistance to strengthen his legs. Works for turkeys and ducks too!
Splay leg frequently happens when the chicks are on a too smooth surface. I put mine on paper towels for the first few days, then shavings.
So being over weight wont cause it Jyl? hehehe That is one chubby baby.
Do the rubberbands stay on or do they slide off?
The rubber bands stay great. I use the tiny ones that the girls use to make the little braids and stuff (dollar store of course). You can loop to or three or more together to make the brace, and the ends ones are just right for being loose, but not going back over the foot. I used to use pipecleaners, but they were stiff and the birds didn't like to sit on them. They also picked up poop. The rubber bands don't!
Actually I think weight has a lot to do with it too. I see it the most often in my broilers and broad brested turkeys. My husband cleaned the play pen brooder for me once and put the whole batch of turks in a laundry basket. By the time I caught him, about 75% of the tuks splayed and I had to brace them. Only one had lasting problems and the kids said she always ran like a fat kid.
Interesting!! Thanks Jyl. Good info. I have those bands for my girls hair. I will stash some in case of emergency. I never thought of pipe cleaners. I wont now though. Thanks!
good advice! thanks. I have a Tractor Supply chick with a foot problem. he walks on his knuckles instead on the bottom of his feet. I took 2 round pieces of card board and taped them to the bottoms of his feet so he has to walk flat footed. I call him Forrest Gump.
Does anyone have any ideas that would work for this? Has anyone had this before.
I think the foot brace you created is pretty close to the curled-toe boot that others have suggested. It seems to work well if you start when you first notice the problem.
thanks cat, I hope it works! He/she is a real fighter and is really trying!
I have a five month old Silkie pullet that really can't walk at all. She is severely disabled, one leg is weak and the other sticks out behind her at a bad angle--but Mattie has developed her own way of getting around that seems to give her a good quality of life for now. I just found a vet who is willing to amputate the leg that sticks out, which would give her better freedom of movement.
Initially, when I saw how dysfunctional her legs were, I expected I would need to euthanize her or she would simply be dead when I looked in on the chicks--but she kept going and going. I've had other chicks which seemed less handicapped than she is simply give up. So as long as she is willing and enjoying life, I will work with her.
You just never know. Some of them are fighters:0)
thanks for the encouraging words Cat. Some days we need them. and today is one of those. My best friend informed me last night that I am hosting and paying for a brunch for 20 people on Saturday for her daughters bridal party. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! I have found it hard to breath at times today. Bursting into tears was always just on the surface too. If I had known 2 wks ago maybe I would not be freaking out, but I work full time and run a farm and bed and breakfast with paying guests. again. AHHHHHHHHHHHHH! So, encouraging words about Forrest is helpful. I have been worried about him / her. It's a really sweet chick.
Claire thanks for sharing the fleece tip. that one will come in handy!! Very clever.
This message was edited Apr 15, 2009 8:57 PM
Well after the sucessful hatch we have ten baby chicks. Three did not make it and two might still hatch. Also we have two Serama eggs that were suppose to hatch on Monday. Maybe still a chance?.
The little guy with the bad legs was put down. He had something more wrong with him and he was definitely suffering. Suppose it was for the best but it is still always hard. :(
We do have a beautiful Turken with a unknow father who has the best auburn coloring I've ever seen. I will have to post a good picture of him!
karbear please do post the picture!! He sounds beautiful.