3 1/2 week old chick having problems with feet

[dgreen]

Hello, we are new to chicken ownership, two of our 3 1/2 week old chick have developed a foot problem. It's like they have no control over them, they do not appear to be in any pain, they are still eating and drinking ok, and they just are not as active as the other chicks. Their toes are mostly curled under their feet.

Has anyone seen this before?

 

[chickensioux]

I have and searched on the web and found a sight that talked about "curly toes". The way they fixed it was to lay down a piece of medical tape, sticky side up and place the birds foot on it placing the toes as they should be. Then they placed a piece of tape on top and stuck it together all around the toes and trimmed into shape around the feet but not between the toes. Kind of creating a "shoe" for lack of a better word. Do this for at least a week or two until the toes straighten out. You have to change to tape frequently (every 2 to 3 days) for cleanliness and not to inhibit growth. To get the tape off soaking in warm water helps to loosen it with little to no discomfort. Be very careful with their little toes. With much diligence I have had it work. Hope that helps. Luck!

 

[dgreen]

Thank you for the reply!

Is this a common problem? Do you think it is a vitamin issue? They were ok up until about 3 or 4 days ago.

 

[chickensioux]

:/Not sure if it's common but I've seen it enough. What kind of flooring are the on. Is is slippery at all? They need good footing. Pine (not cedar) is ok at this age i think. I'm not sure i've read any other reason for this affliction other than flooring.

 

[dgreen]

They have been on pine shavings since birth, obout 1" thick. I am going to get some vitamins to put in their water today and see if that helps.

I put Duramycin-10 in their water yesterday, does anyone know if it is ok to mix it with the vitamin?

 

[chickensioux]

Hi, I just read a website that states curly toe is a riboflavin deficiency. See if the vits you have has that in it. Not sure of the % mix. Luck!

 

[dgreen]

Thank you so much for all of the info, now let's see if we can get these little girls running around again.

 

[chickensioux]

Best of luck and keep us posted....