Leg problem on hatchling, must I cull?

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RumAndCoconuts

RumAndCoconuts

Chirping
5 Years
Mar 30, 2014
145
26
88
Great Exuma, Bahamas
I finally hatch a Bielefelder pullet and I think I have to put her down,
She can't walk whatsoever, it's not straddle leg. She was hatched on rubber shelving liner but she can't lift herself up on her legs. I can manipulate the joints. They are fine but she can't pull her self up, she literally does "the swim" at most she pushes herself up with her wings to teeter on her hocks
Any ideas what this could be? Any hope or must I end it for her? :( she hatched yesterday
1000
 
I had a quail breech chick do that very same thing. He hatched out of the more pointed end of the egg. Sometimes, these chicks do well and thrive.

Can't say it's 100% a breech hatch, but the symptoms sound familiar. I'd keep an eye on her. Maybe electrolytes in the water?

MrsB
 
It may be that she is weak from an internal issue. You can add vitamins to try and help her gain strength. Possibly separate her and another one for comfort, or she will probably get trampled. Unfortunately, I have never had much luck re-habbing, so if one is struggling, I usually just cull. But no one will blame you for trying either. Every once in a while I will get one with a bad leg and decide to try, but it has never ended well for me. Or it. :(
 
Thanks @MrsBrooke If it is what you possibly recognise how long does it take to see the change? She can't get to food and water of course. I have given her a bit of Gatorade and will continue to do so. I'm thinking two or three days will tell?
 
That's how long my little breech quail lasted. I found him dead the third morning. All the other chicks were up and moving, and het had gotten to where he was able to do a "low run" but was never quite right. I fed him some honey and yogurt mixed with water from a dropper. He seemed to perk up, but life was too much for him in the end. :(

RIP Hercules

MrsB
 
Also, be careful giving your chicks Gatorade (as it is mostly sugar and corn syrup). You should be able to get a proper electrolyte mix from your local farm/tractor/feed store. You can use the ones for horses. :)

In a pinch, Pedialite is a better choice.

Gatorade is okay in an absolute emergency, but since a human shouldn't drink it, you shouldn't give it to your chickens. ;)

MrsB
 
Well thanks for that! I've always been one to make it myself so I was glad to see this. Thanks so much.

Sadly i had to put the wee thing down. Her wheels just wouldn't respond to her brain.

Thanks for your help. I appreciate the recipe. I will put this in my book.
 

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