3 week old Americana with leg problem, need advice.

[Gillar]

I have an Americana roughly 3 or so weeks of age that has an odd leg problem that I can't figure out what it is or how to help it. It appears to eat and drink and function pretty well overall but has some difficulty walking. While I cannot feel an obvious break, the leg bends at an odd angle near the hock with a small lump just above where it bends. It bends to the outside causing a stumbled walk and some amount of distress. I am still rather new to all of this and am more than a little concerned but do not know what to do next. From what I can tell from other posts on leg conditions, vet-wrap and splints are often used to correct various problems, especially at this young age. Is it something I should try and if so, what is the best way to splint a leg so that it doesn't bend at odd angles like this? I have tried wrapping it already but there is some amount of resistance with the wrap being pecked at and the bird acting even more agitated. I greatly appreciate any advice given on what this could be and how to help it.

 

[giasmom]

Hi &

. I'm not real sure how much help I will be to you, as I have never encountered this problem. I do know that if you use the vet-wrap that you should try to use a color other than red & one that will blend in with the color of your chick, this will help guard against the pecking at problem. Maybe you could use something small and light weight for the splint like maybe the plastic sticks on Q-tips or something of that nature. Well like I said before not much help here. Good luck. Maybe someone else can help you.

 

[dlhunicorn]

Please post a pic ... could be a slipped tendon.

 

[Drafthorsegal]

I'm familiar with this chick. It can wiggle its toes and foot... but when you feel down its leg bone... from the knee upwards, there is a lump in the middle (that appears to be an old break? We got them at age 1 week and have had them for 2 weeks now) of the bone whereis the good leg is smooth. But when it walks, the knee slips forward and to the side... so it appears to be jointed like a human rather than a chicken. It has a great deal of trouble walking and squacks a lot as if in pain.

Can you tell us more what a slipped tendon is and if this effects knees?

Right now we have it vet-wrapped and applied splints on the side and its walking stiff legged (but alot better). We can post pictures when we change the wrapping tonight.

 

[dlhunicorn]

you can fit a foam tube around it perhaps a splint?
if you use the search and type in "slipped tendon" (search only the emergency forum) then there are lots of posts and many include pics...
A good supplement like AviaCharge 2000 (available from McMurry) plus a week on polyvisol enfamil formulation (childrens liquid A-B-D vitamins) > three drops in beak once a day would also be indicated > cant hurt might make all the difference > will in any case ensure against complications from vitamin deficiency