Backwards leg - is this something that can be fixed?

nireklov · Apr 21, 2014

I have some 6 day old chicks that were dropped off today and 1 has a backwards leg. They are from our preschool teacher. She said the chicken was eating and acting fine, so she couldn't bring herself to cull it. I've done some research in the few short hours we've had it and a few things I saw suggested it could be a tendon issue, but I didn't want to do anything that could harm it, if it wasn't. I've included a picture below. Any advice would be welcome. THANK YOU!

chickencopper · Apr 21, 2014

if it was me, I would determine if the chick can walk and roost like others, otherwise it will suffer at the hands (beaks) of the others. Then if not, I would assist with the passing of the chick to avoid a horrible death in the future. Some babies cannot be healed. Just my thoughts and I still hate to do it with mine, but it is pet responsibility. sorry, hope you find a fix.

nireklov · Apr 21, 2014

I appreciate your feedback. I think I was just hoping that wouldn't be the case. She gets around but not very well and I don't want her to suffer a horrible and painful fate. That said, I feel awful putting her down because she is deformed.

Do you have a preferred culling method that doesn't include scissors and heads?

Eggcessive · Apr 21, 2014

You can try to give vitamins like PolyVisol without iron 2-3 drops by mouth, or poultry vitamins in the water in case of vitamin deficiency. A slipped tendon may be the issue, but it also could be a rotated femur. Here are some links to help you:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/756556/slipped-tendon-splayed-leg-confused
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...femur-going-to-avian-vet-tomorrow-please-read
https://sites.google.com/a/poultrypedia.com/poultrypedia/poultry-podiatry

Gargoyle · Apr 21, 2014

Looks too severe and twisted for the bandaid fix, but it might be worth giving that a one day try before culling her. Search here for splay leg or spraddle leg bandaid fix.
Here's one link with photos.
http://www.poultryhelp.com/spraddle.html

chickencopper · Apr 21, 2014

I have several different types of animals and have had to deal with issues trying to save them. There comes a point, that which leans towards more pain than is worth to the animal. I have raised deformed animals where others may have put them down, to me, its based on pain to the animal. Try, but think of the animal in the long run. good luck.

nireklov · Apr 21, 2014

I totally agree with you. I don't think any life should suffer unnecessarily. I really appreciate all the feedback.

chickencopper · Apr 21, 2014

Its never easy when they are young or been with you along time. I hate it every time.

Backwards leg - is this something that can be fixed?

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