Chick with spraddle legs

Lily21 · Feb 28, 2016

I have a chick that was hatched on day 24 and seemed to have a hard time getting out the egg. He/she had a hard time walking so I put a band-aid on both his/her legs for support and it can now stand but one leg still is weak and turns slightly out to the side. It has been three days now. I have had to separate it from the rest of the flock because they peck it and won't stop, It chirps almost non stop and is very loud. I have tried to put just one chick with it and he pecks and pecks the injured one, so that is why it is by itself. I'm afraid the leg is not going to get better. Has anyone else had this problem?

Eggcessive · Feb 28, 2016

It could be a leg bone deformity or a slipped tendon. PoultryPediaPodiatry is a good website to visit, and you can also do a search at the top of this page for slipped tendon. Start some poultry vitamins in the water, and make sure the chick is drinking and eating. Google chick chairs for some ideas on getting the chick upright to strengthen legs. Good luck.