6 week old chick can't walk

[moiku]

Went outside about 4 days ago and 1 of my chicks couldn't walk. The lower half of her right leg just hangs there and her foot is unresponsive. She can move the leg up close to her hip but that's it. All of the others that were hatched at the same time are fine and she was fine until then. For now I have her separated from the rest and she is eating and drinking fine with no signs of distress. Any advice would be most appreciated.

 

[bowen012]

How old is the chick? If you handle the leg does she become more vocal or indicate there is an injury? If you've not examined the leg, I would do so. As a precaution, spread her feathers and check for motes/lice. Does her stool look normal (no blood, parasites, etc)?

 

[moiku]

She's 6 weeks old. She does become more vocal if I mess with the area around her hock. I've examined the leg and there doesn't seem to be a break and nothing looks swollen. I have not checked for mites but I'll do that as soon as I'm home from work. Her stool is also normal, no diarrhea, no blood, and no parasites. She acts fine except for that leg.

 

[bowen012]

Possibly something with a tendon? When you're able to feel the leg check for anything out of the ordinary (compare with the other leg or another chick's leg). Search here for slipped tendon and you'll find some information on that if it become relevant.