This is a plain and simple Article without too much technical mumbo jumbo created for an easy guide for Chicken Enthusiasts whom would like to see a hands on method of correction of Leg Splay.
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This poor little Moulted Java Chick had a rough time at the beginning of his life. Too much humidity created a bad environment and we had a "Sticky Batch" so to speak.
One leg was splayed outwards and if we didn't try to correct it, he would be crippled for life.
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They grow so fast so the procedure needs to be done asap.
We did not invent this... We got the idea for a Poultry Care Magazine and wanted to share it for others that are in need of advice.
You need a small rubber band or hair band and a drinking straw. And a little patients.
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Cut the straw to about the width of a nickel. Maybe smaller depending on the chick size. Moulted Javas are kinda big so we used a little less then the nickel.
If you cut it too wide, you may bow leg the chick after it grows back in place.
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I like to use a rubber band vs a hair band but both will work. It's just that the rubber band seems to grip better and doesn't get pulled off as often.
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Tie a knot in the center of the small rubber band. Larger bands are shortened by the knots and are tweaked to the desired length.
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Use a toothpick to pull the knotted rubber band and center it. Check to see if it the correct length you need by educated guessing the size of the tiny chicks legs with the loops hanging out of the ends of the straw section.

This is where you may need an assistant to hold the tiny fragile chick.
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Slip the brace over it's feet like threading a needle, one foot at a time. The photo was taken while using a hair band like I mentioned previously.
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This particular brace slipped off and we made another with a gripping rubber band.
See if the chick can stand. You may have to tweak the band length or straw width. Sometimes you get it on the first try. Sometimes you need a little more patience and pay attention to detail.
If the leg is seriously damaged, some people use a band aid for a splint. I would use sports tape over a tiny piece of gauze. Band aid is way too sticky. Remember it is temporary. You need it to come off easy!
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Notice the width of this particular brace.
Tweaked for the particular chicks dimensions.
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Not too wide, not too tight and not too lose.
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Remember he is now in hand cuffs!
You are not out of the woods yet. But you can see the edge!
Your work has begun. You are now a nurse for a few days. Hydration might be up to you.
Place him in a heated brooder with a non slick surface. I use paper towels because easy clean up.
Don't let him ice skate! That will prolong the need for the brace and slow the healing process.
Nutrition. Vitamins and electrolytes, especially a good vitamin B supplement.
Check the brace several times a day for fit and make sure it stays on!
Isolation is a must. Other chicks will stress him and make him strain.
We have successfully used this method on a couple of occasions.
The first took only 4 to 5 days to recover.
The last one was just last night we did this.
It is cheap, effective and proven in our situations at least. I wish you the best of luck and want to thank BYC for giving me the opportunity to share this little nifty trick we learned!
Thank you for reading!
Farmer Connie at The Lazy H Farm
:celebrate