5 week old chick, legs not working

[Ascholten]

Upon re reading, a roosting stick...if she got up on that stick, or fell off that stick and landed hard, that right there is plenty enough to hurt her leg, especially a chick, who is young, tender and has NOT really learned how to hop up on and down off stuff yet. It wouldn't have to be a large fall either, just a flat footed or twisted wrong muscle and bam, body weight hitting it at 32/ft sec2

Edit: If you are going to put a stick in there, until they get a bit older, keep it a few inches off the ground at most so it's more of a stepping stick, not something they have to hop up on / jump up to get on. That way if they do find their way off it in an unplanned way, it's just a little bump and not like jumping off a chair / off the roof etc.

Aaron

 

[TheRealGwynethPoultry]

I had one that about a year or so ago, hurt her foot real bad, and acted the same way,would not move it, kept it tucked, was just sitting there for probably 2 days before she finally started to move / limp / flop around again. Something fall on her foot, crush it, it get caught under something. You say there is nothing for them to get hurt on,but all it takes is them to somehow get it under a door jamb or around a corner or something stupid that on first look, it's a no brainer that 'it's safe', they get it caught pull it real hard and pop, break, sprain, fracture, whatever.

That leg where she has her toes curled in, if I was a betting man, id say is probably the foot she hurt. Try to check for scuffs, or anything obvious BUT if she's really adamant about not letting you touch her, then don't. If it's not bleeding then I don't think it's too critical at the moment.

please keep us updated.
Aaron

Thank you so much for this reply. She is not bleeding, just really favoring that foot and is mad when I pick her up to inspect it. I’ll leave her alone, but keep a close eye on it. Thank you again! I’ll keep this thread updated.

 

[TheRealGwynethPoultry]

Upon re reading, a roosting stick...if she got up on that stick, or fell off that stick and landed hard, that right there is plenty enough to hurt her leg, especially a chick, who is young, tender and has NOT really learned how to hop up on and down off stuff yet. It wouldn't have to be a large fall either, just a flat footed or twisted wrong muscle and bam, body weight hitting it at 32/ft sec2

Aaron

I think the roosting stick must have been my mistake. I’ve removed it now. Thank you again for your help

 

[Ascholten]

I think the roosting stick must have been my mistake. I’ve removed it now. Thank you again for your help

You are welcome. If she did hurt it, she may not want to eat / drink for a bit too if she's in extreme pain. Mine got hurt in the morning and sat all puffed up in the corner and only picked at food a little nibble later that night. A grown chicken, no big deal, a little chick, this could be an issue, so keep an eye on her to make sure she IS eating, or at least getting plenty of water. Being in an incubator still, dehydration is a very real danger.

Aaron

 

[TheRealGwynethPoultry]

You are welcome. If she did hurt it, she may not want to eat / drink for a bit too if she's in extreme pain. Mine got hurt in the morning and sat all puffed up in the corner and only picked at food a little nibble later that night. A grown chicken, no big deal, a little chick, this could be an issue, so keep an eye on her to make sure she IS eating, or at least getting plenty of water. Being in an incubator still, dehydration is a very real danger.

Aaron

She is super puffed up and is now huddled up with the others. I’ll keep a close eye on her and make sure she’s getting enough water. This is my first time raising chicks and I am so attached to these birds. The sight of her limping around makes my stomach hurt. I love each of them so this is very hard for me. Thank you so much for your help.

 

[Ascholten]

Chickens are tough, they can take a lot of abuse. I know how you feel though, I recently lost one and felt terrible because it was entirely my fault. If she's huddled with the others that can be a good sign, that she's not So injured she don't want to take any chances of being touched.

See how she is in the morning, she may be limpy for a few days or even a few weeks, depending on what she did to her leg / foot but im thinking she'll be fine in the long run.

Aaron

 

[Eggcessive]

How high was the roost stick? I have used small roosts to practice on that were about 6 inches high. A 5 week old usually can jump 2 feet, at least in my brooders.

 

[TheRealGwynethPoultry]

Day 2: She is eating and drinking normally today, and walking (hobbling) around the brooder. Her right foot is still giving her trouble, but she’s doing well. The roosting stick wasn’t high enough for her to fall off, only a couple inches off the ground. She’s the most lively of our birds, and husband thinks she might have hit her foot hard on the wall of the brooder during one of her crazy flying episodes! I have faith she’ll make a great recovery. She’s still getting along well with the others and is resting with her sisters.

 

[TheRealGwynethPoultry]

Day 3: Her toes are spread out and she’s putting weight on her foot!! Woohoo!! Still eating and drinking. Snuggling with her sisters and taking it easy. Yay!

 

[TheRealGwynethPoultry]

Day 4: Much the same as yesterday, but she’s walking longer distances before sitting down to rest. Eating and drinking great!