5 day old chick injured leg . . . advice please

[KatyTheChickenLady]

Quote:
thanks, it's easy to ignore . . . I sure could use some advice on splinting a leg though . . .

 

[DaisyBishop]

We found one of our chicks got her leg caught in a chair. My daughter and I walked into the brooder house to find her hanging upside down by one leg. Ofcourse, out of 30 chicks, it happened to be my daughters favorite.

I thought she broke her leg but didnt see any noticable breaks. The poor baby just sat on my daughter's hand and when we put her down the leg obviously hurt her. I dipped her beak in some water while my daughter did some research on hurt chick legs. Since she was one of the bigger chicks, we decided to let her sit with her friends and check on her in a few minutes. When we came back, she hopped onto the middle of the pack. The first day she was limping but by the second day she was walking on it fine. Both my daughter and I were shocked she recovered so quickly but I think chicks are a bit more resilent then we give them credit for. Since she was one of my two easter eggers and my daughters favorite, I didnt want to just "get rid" of her.

 

[KatyTheChickenLady]

Quote:
I love your avatar!!!! this happened last night and she is still holding it out this morning and brothers and sisters were running over the top of her. I've got her seperated but it really does look like it needs a splint . . . just trying to figure out how to do that.

 

[jenni2142]

Maybe use pipe cleaners? A chicks natural leg position is slightly bent and pipe cleaners offer cushy support and bendability. I used kinesio tape to hold it on.

 

[KatyTheChickenLady]

thanks everyone. I culled the baby, I could tell she was suffering.

 

[chickenwhisperer123]

Quote:
Well I was about going to say to see how it was doing, but since you could tell she was suffering, I think you made the right decision.

I know how much it sucks to have to do that to such a cute little innocent thing, but sometimes its the only humane option.

 

[Crickett]

I'm sorry you lost her, but if she was suffering, then you did the right thing.

 

[Fudgie]

katylester! I had to do the same thing this morning to one that could not put any weight on her legs and was basically rolling around the incubator. I told DH we had to put her out of her misery, she was going to die anyway and it is just not worth it to let her suffer because we want to wussie out!

 

[lildinkem]

I have one 7 week ole who also has a bum leg. Don't know the how's when's and where's. I can't see any visible broken bones. I hate to cull a bird for having a bad leg IF it is caused by environment. I like Katy's idea of separating them. Maybe she will heal. I like to give them the chance. Hope the little fella pulls thru.

 

[PoultryPedia]

If anyone who posted here is looking for info on treating leg problems, you can check the link in my signature. Please let me know if there is anything additional you think should be added.
My condolences to those who've struggled with little ones with problems. I have with a few, & had some positive & negative outcomes. Trying to pass on what I'm learning...