Curled toes... With shoes on

His "ankle" looks a bit "thick".... The other foot looks straight and normal.

Well, thank you to those who responded with such great information. However, I found the little guy deceased in the brooder this morning. My husband and I agree he probably wasn't meant to make it out of the egg and had something else going on that we couldn't have known about or fixed. Of course my reaction is to say I won't assist them in hatching "ever again!" I said...but the reality is I will if I think it will save the chicks life. So, my crooked/curly toed little guy went on to Chicken Heaven... So long little guy.

Hello, I just had a hatch last weekend, one chick was the exact same way as you describe yours. I attempted to use shoes on day two when the chick was moved to the brooder but it seemed to make things far more difficult and they did not seem to hold/or stay secure enough to truly be a benefit. I have shavings down and I think that helped a lot because it was soft to walk on and encouraged the chick to keep moving. I decided to remove the shoes and give the little guy a few days before deciding what to do. I had to give him a little special treatment as far food but the next day one foot was straightened out on its own from the chick walking around trying to keep up with the others -and the next day the other foot which had been much worse (walking on it completely turned over) was also fine! I could not believe it!!! Especially since everything I read about it said that it would NOT RESOLVE ITSELF. I don't know if I have one lucky bird or if it is another lesson in letting nature take care of itself.... The foot - I think -naturally wants to sit flat with the toes out and will work to achieve that on its own. Although I have not had this situation before I will not attempt to use shoes again unless the curled toes have not resolved or begun to resolve on their own after four or five days of walking on shavings.

I hope this is helpful and that your chick enjoys a healthy long life.