1 mo old BR with a limp

[cindy leigh]

We have 3 chicks that are about a month old- purchased the day before Easter. The BR has developed a limp. She gets around the cage, eats, drinks, and does put weight on that leg/foot, but has a bad limp. I can't see any obvious cut or anything, and the other 2 chicks don't pick on her. I'm wondering if maybe it's a strain/sprain? I'm planning on just giving it time and watching her, making sure she continues to eat and drink. They are growing quite well, most all baby fuzz gone and real feathers now.
I just hate to take a $5 chick to the vet where the minimum bill will be at least $75 if it could just need time and rest.
Thanks for any ideas.

 

[chickenzoo]

Check the bottom of her foot for any thorns etc. Let it have some time and watch for any other symptoms, as loss of use on one side of her body etc..

 

[cindy leigh]

Quote:
Thanks.
We don't see anything unusual with her foot. They are in a cage with pine shavings.
She has no weakness anywhere else.
It's the same this morning, but she does continue to eat, drink, and move. she's alert, not lethargic.

 

[cindy leigh]

update: my daughter says the leg is cocked out a bit at the "elbow".
This is about a week now. The chick was not like this when we purchased her as a hatchling about 5 weeks ago.
Daughter has separated her, put her in a cage by herself, next to her 2 "sisters" so they don't bump her too much. She does walk with a limp, eats and drinks and poops normally. She is a bit smaller than the other two- but they are all different breeds. She's a BR, and the other two are a wyandotte and a RIR.
Any ideas?
When these chicks are big enough, they will go out to the hen house with 10 year-old hens and 2 pullets we got 5 weeks ago. If she's always going to be gimpy I don't want her to get picked on or run over. Daughter says she'd be happy to keep her in her own pen for individual care. Also don't want her to suffer.
Thanks.

 

[chickenzoo]

Look up Mareks disease just encase.....