Deformed Feet

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Lisa Walker

Lisa Walker

In the Brooder
6 Years
Jun 29, 2013
26
0
32
We have a silkie who was brooding for the first time with three eggs. A couple of times we checked, and she'd be off the eggs and they were cold. Well, this morning two of them hatched, but both of the chicks seem to have deformed legs and feet. They can't walk. Is this from her getting off the eggs and letting them get cold? Is there anything that can be done for the poor babies? I'm so tender-hearted, it is difficult for me to have to cull them.

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Oh the poor dears! Most likely it's congenital and doesn't have to do with her leaving the eggs - deformities like that are usually on the genetic level.

In any case, if you want to give them a shot is up to you. Most people wouldn't bother, but like you I have too soft of a heart and I always have to try (if you ask me about my list of animals that are 'defective' grab a box of tissues and sit down for a few hours, lol).

They may never be able to walk, or they might. You'd want to make sure they never bred in case they passed it on, etc. If they can at least stand, you might be able to get them to walk. If they can't move, however, just keep in mind they'll be completely dependant and qho knows what their quality of life would be.

Either way, I'm sure you'll make the right decision :)
 
Thanks. I went out today and found that the two other silkie chicks that our hen hatched off also have deformed feet. One of them isn't as bad, just some slightly turned in toes, but the other looks like these chicks' feet. I'm so disappointed! I think I know what happened though. We have a white splash hen and a black rooster. One of their offspring was evidently laying eggs in my splash hen's nest which must have been fertilized by her father. We're going to sell her and see if we can get some unrelated bloodlines in.
 

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