webbed toes, surgery

[fc]

I have a chick that was born with the second and third toes webbed together. It made it harder for it to walk well. I decided it was time to do something. I took a scalpel and tried to cut the web, but it would not (after using alcohol on the foot and scalpel)! I then took a good pair of scissors and cut the web. There was very little blood, and no indication of pain. The toe is spreading out. Success!

 

[tammye]

good for you, I'm sure the chick will be happy, finally I don't walk like a duck!

 

[Miss Lydia]

My you were brave! your chicken also

 

[fc]

I am a nurse, and used to work in the operating room. Seemed pretty easy to me. The bird stayed still once I turned him upside down. Does that make me a chicken surgeon?

 

[sourland]

You are a chicken surgeon.

By the way webbed feet can be an inherited trait. I would not use this bird for breeding in the future.

 

[Sir Birdaholic]

Your right, sourland, I inherited them from my Mom's side of the family!

 

[sourland]

All the better for swimming or snowshoeing.

 

[sueche]

I have a new chick with his toes webbed together. he is only 2-3 days old. what was you procedure in doing this?

 

[Miss Lydia]

if fc doesn't see your post sueche, you might want to PM her. and good luck on the surgery.

 

[fc]

Wait until the chick has more developed toes. Wait till you can clearly see the web between the well-formed toes, and can make a cut that won't damage the toes. Clean the foot well with alcohol on a clean rag. Clean a good pair of scissors with alcohol. I used hair trimming scissors. Turn the chick upside down. It might help to have someone hold the chick for you. Cut between the toes. The surgery came out very well. It's kind of tough to tell which chicken had the problem. You want to cut far enough that the toes will separate enough, but don't get too carried away. It took time for the toe to start pointing out, but it will happen.