3 week old overweight Cornish Rock - I believe has broken leg(s)

[missmissi]

We got 6 chicks less than a week old, mixed breeds. If I had known about the weight issues with this breed I probably would not have chosen her They are pets alone, we are not interested in having her for dinner, it just so happens they produce eggs; BONUS. I'm naming my 6-pack of chicklets after healing herbs and spices (I love to cook), so this one is Willow. We noticed she would not stand yesterday morning, not even to defecate. But man she will claw her way to the feed!

Issues:

* She's twice as heavy as the others. She is separated from the pack for safety and because I need to ration her food intake. I am currently providing multiple feedings throughout the day, just a thimble full; 4 times yesterday, about the size of a shot glass.
HOW MUCH CHICK FEED SHOULD SHE BE ALLOWED PER DAY ON A WEIGHT MANAGEMENT PROGRAM?
IS THERE SOMETHING I SHOULD GIVE HER OTHER THAN CHICK FEED?
SHE'S PLUCKING HER FEATHERS OUT AND EATING THEM THIS MORNING, HUNGRY, SO I GAVE HER A BIT MORE.

* I believe that one if not both legs are broken. Geez I feel awful for not being better educated and proactive in this.
WHAT SHOULD I DO TO HELP HER LEGS HEAL?

* These are the products she is ingesting, mind you in minute amounts:
SAV A CHICK
POLYVISOL
RYMADIL - 1 piece the size of a grain of her chick feed, last night before bed and again this morning. I didn't have aspirin and read this recommendation from another member. Her pain was so great last night it would have been better to poison her than to let her continue suffering that way.
SHE'S LAYING ON A RED WASH CLOTH, COVERED WITH ANOTHER RED WASH CLOTH WHEN SHE'S COLD, ON TOP OF A FOLDED BATH TOWEL, WITH A HEATING PAD SET ON LOW UNDER ONE OF THE FOLDS OF THE BATH TOWEL. She likes the red cloths better than the white ones I was using before

Suggestions please.
Missi

 

[CMV]

I read your post. Euthanize her. If you want, I can extrapolate and give you all the pros and cons of this breed, and the long explanation for my rationale to euthanize. I suspect you don't care to hear the "whys" and are primarily interested in extending her life. My only recommendation is "Don't." CXs are meat birds only, not layers or pets. You will not do anyone any favors by extending her life.

I am sorry.

 

[missmissi]

Are there any other ideas? Opinions? Suggestions?
She isn't giving up, so I cannot give up on her.

I'm interested in getting her weight down or slowing her growth until her legs are stronger. Judging by the speed these guys are growing I'd say that in a week or two we should be in pretty good shape.

I'm also interested in ways to ease her discomfort during this time.

I am fortunate that I can be with her most of the day. Please let me know what you have done to ease your feathered baby's discomfort.

Thank you.

 

[dawg53]

Are there any other ideas? Opinions? Suggestions?
She isn't giving up, so I cannot give up on her.

I'm interested in getting her weight down or slowing her growth until her legs are stronger. Judging by the speed these guys are growing I'd say that in a week or two we should be in pretty good shape.

I'm also interested in ways to ease her discomfort during this time.

I am fortunate that I can be with her most of the day. Please let me know what you have done to ease your feathered baby's discomfort.

Thank you.

She is in pain and suffering by delaying the inevitable...cull her.

 

[Eggcessive]

A meat bird chick with 2 broken legs needs to be put out of it's misery. If you can't do this, you need to ask a friend or neighbor to do it humanely for you.

 

[seventreesfarm]

I don't think that breed is genetically able to lose weight. They are meat-making machines and everyone I know who has raised them races to get them to butcher time before their legs or hearts give out.
I have to agree that putting her down is the best course.

 

[heartsizedfarm]

What makes you think the legs are broken? Might they just be about soft and unformed? Can you post a picture? Seems a shame to cull her if she's keen.

 

[heartsizedfarm]

I'm ill advised to say this on a public forum but I've been nursing a seagull with a broken back for four months. First, dragging his legs, then staggering on crooked legs, now standing while flapping wings, and soon, hopefully, walking and flying normally. Hand feeding five times a day and giving rehabilitation space. Don't rat me out. If they have the will, they can heal.

 

[heartsizedfarm]

She doesn't know she's a meat bird.

 

[dawg53]

I'm ill advised to say this on a public forum but I've been nursing a seagull with a broken back for four months. First, dragging his legs, then staggering on crooked legs, now standing while flapping wings, and soon, hopefully, walking and flying normally. Hand feeding five times a day and giving rehabilitation space. Don't rat me out. If they have the will, they can heal.

Have you ever owned a cornish x ? There's a HUGE difference between a cornish x and a seagull. Read the title of this thread and first paragraph by the OP.