6 week chick, one lame leg. How to splint?

[BackItUp.PlayItSlow]

hi all,

I’ve been searching for help with this for about 2 weeks. I thought one of my silkies had splayed legs and treated for that about 2 weeks ago. She’s not feathering out as well as her hatch mates and is about 1/2 their size.

When she was in hobbles she hopped along okay. I took the hobbles off, and she was great for about 10 days. Recently she’s having troubles walking again. When I really examined her today she’s not putting weight on her right leg. The toes don’t grab my finger when I put it under her right foot. Her left is strong.

It’s not completely without feeling. She twitches it when i move it around. I believe it’s broken or sprained at the first joint. What is the best way to splint it? Popsicle stick and self stick gauze? Whole leg or part?

I don’t want to cull her, shes a pet, and she’s fighting hard eating and drinking and trying to keep up. She’s just tiny compared to her mates, so I think she got stepped on. I want her to thrive, she’s trying so hard.

Photo of her in her hobbles and with her mates for size.

 

[Eggcessive]

She might have a leg bone deformity such as varus or valgus which can occur in one or both legs. She also could have a slipped tendon. Without the hobble does she stand with one leg out to the side? None of the above conditions are very successfully treated, but splinting the leg above and below the hock joint with tape might help support her leg. Here is some reading:
https://www.merckvetmanual.com/poul.../noninfectious-skeletal-disorders-in-broilers

https://www.researchgate.net/public..._of_the_Intertarsal_Joint_in_Broiler_Chickens
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/peachick-with-slipped-tendon.1092979/

 

[BackItUp.PlayItSlow]

Thank you! I’ll try this. She’s kind of tipsy for lack of a better word. She’s so tiny I’m having trouble splinting her, wondering if I should just try a leg hobble again, she was happy and mobile when I had her in them.

Here is an up to date pic of her.

 

[Eggcessive]

It is hard to see the leg positioning in the picture. Are her legs held apart? Do what you feel is best, if the hobble worked better. It is best if she can try and get around to get enough food and water.