2 Day old Coturnix chick w/curled foot - toes attached together - advice?

[Sara L]

Ok, pics from last night. Chick seems to be thriving despite the bad foot, he feels like he gained some weight and looks same size as the other chicks. He did not like being held upside down for the picture.

Picture below is how he stands/walks around. In the same photo is the other chick who started with curled foot but had brace on (bottom left of picture) but keeps kicking it off. Now the other chick's toes are still crooked but his foot is actually flat to the floor so I'm ok with crooked toes. Normal chick in the background.

 

[Kiki]

You could mix a little nutritional yeast in with their feed each day...the riboflavin in it might do them some good.

 

[WVduckchick]

I seem to remember @sourland and @Alaskan having some experience with fused or webbed toes. Maybe they will share some thoughts.

 

[Alaskan]

Do I try to separate the toes? Do I leave it be? Will they separate on their own?

no, they will not separate on their own.

Yes, separate the toes.

You will want very clean scissors, and cut them apart.

Hold pressure on the cut for a full 20 minutes, no peeking. Then if you have quick stop, you can use that. Super glue might also work to close over the wound and stop bleeding.

However, after applying pressure for 20 minutes there is usually just a red line, and a drop or two of blood, so not bad. If you then apply a shoe from tape that will help to straighten the toes as well as act as a bandage.

Keep an eye on it though. .... if they pull the shoe off the red line will attract picking.

In a week or less it will be perfect.

 

[Sara L]

You could mix a little nutritional yeast in with their feed each day...the riboflavin in it might do them some good.View attachment 1440078 View attachment 1440080

I have a vitamin supplement thing I am mixing into the water. I also have some powdered stuff I have been mixing into the food every few days. I will add pictures when I get home, can't remember the names.

no, they will not separate on their own.

Yes, separate the toes.

You will want very clean scissors, and cut them apart.

Hold pressure on the cut for a full 20 minutes, no peeking. Then if you have quick stop, you can use that. Super glue might also work to close over the wound and stop bleeding.

However, after applying pressure for 20 minutes there is usually just a red line, and a drop or two of blood, so not bad. If you then apply a shoe from tape that will help to straighten the toes as well as act as a bandage.

Keep an eye on it though. .... if they pull the shoe off the red line will attract picking.

In a week or less it will be perfect.

I will try to separate the toes this weekend.

Thanks everyone for your advice.

 

[WVduckchick]

I have a vitamin supplement thing I am mixing into the water. I also have some powdered stuff I have been mixing into the food every few days. I will add pictures when I get home, can't remember the names.


I will try to separate the toes this weekend.

Thanks everyone for your advice.

I hope you have some help, and someone to take some pics. That would be awesome! Good luck and keep us posted please.

 

[sourland]

no, they will not separate on their own.

Yes, separate the toes.

You will want very clean scissors, and cut them apart.

Hold pressure on the cut for a full 20 minutes, no peeking. Then if you have quick stop, you can use that. Super glue might also work to close over the wound and stop bleeding.

However, after applying pressure for 20 minutes there is usually just a red line, and a drop or two of blood, so not bad. If you then apply a shoe from tape that will help to straighten the toes as well as act as a bandage.

Keep an eye on it though. .... if they pull the shoe off the red line will attract picking.

In a week or less it will be perfect.

Great advice from 'Al'. Good luck.

 

[RosieR]

Good luck! I hope that chick can sit still for you, he’s in good hands