Arizona Chickens

[ArizonaDesertChicks]

Chrystal & Nessa - I would love to see this little chick grow up and lead a happy life, but I just don't know. The top 1/2 of its leg is normal, but the second half (knee & below?) sticks straight out to the side when not held in by a band-aid. I noticed today that it even has a callous/scab? at the back of the knee? where it is putting weight on it, instead of walking on its foot.

In the pic; The normal leg is hanging straight down - the other one should be also, but just can't (it looks like my finger is pushing the leg out, but I'm not - that's the way the leg goes no matter how I hold the chick). What do think? Were your chicks this bad? Would you try to let this one keep going? Anybody else have any ideas or opinions on this case?

 

[Enjaytoo]

Sorry to hear you lost the weaker one

Could you try combining the band-aid hobbles with a rigid "cast" of some sort for the foot? Even something like a stiff piece of cardboard, and taping that entire foot correctly on top of it (positioned normally) ? Maybe with a bit of weight added on the bottom/base (a dime or penny) ? It may never be perfect but the closer the better I guess. I dont know, its a tough call, I'm just rattling off things I might try if I had a chick like that..

 

[ArizonaNessa]

ADC~ In my case my bird was almost exactly like that (the one I showed Mahonri) except it was a few week older. I chose to cull mine but I have read and been told many success stories where people have used the bandaids and pipe cleaners to fix this problem. At this point it is completely up to you. Only you know what you can handle and sometimes these things take a very long time to fix if they fix at all. Please don't think I am one of those people that just culls anything that has an issue cause if you saw a few of my personal birds you would know that is not the case. If someone is not suffering then I will keep them to live happy. The real question is do you think you can devote enough to that little chick to give it a decent quality of life? For me the answer was no cause I just could not see how on earth it could right itself. Your case may be different. Good Luck and keep us posted.

 

[ChrystalGail]

ACD... Mine is exactly like yours. I will take a picture of him for you tomorrow. He is doing just fine and isn't a bother to me at all (not that I would kill him if he was). I just want to make sure they are living a good live and not miserable. This guy has adapted quite remarkably. His foot is fully upside down and the leg sticks straight out to the side. I tried doing the splints and things, but nothing seemed to do any good. After leaving him for a few days and seeing that he could eat and drink by himself, I decided I would just leave him be unless he started to suffer. He is just about the same size as the other boys his age and gets along just fine. If I forget to take the picture just remind me!

4 youngens keep me and my mind busy sometimes!!! LOL!!!

 

[ArizonaDesertChicks]

Thanks, everyone, for the advice & encouragement.

I decided to cull it earlier this evening - hard decision, but I really felt that the little chick was not living a decent life. All the other chicks are running around and enjoying themselves while this little chick just laid around - the only time it did anything besides laying down or sleeping is when it hobbled itself over to the food & water. Its wing feathers weren't growing out like the other chicks' feathers either - probably not eating as much. I had to make up my mind quickly - my husband is leaving in the morning for a 9 day trip (he's a pilot) and I didn't think I could do it myself - I didn't want the chick to suffer for 9 more days waiting till DH came home. He took care of it, I cried a little, and now it's over. I hope we never have to put one down again.

Hope this isn't too many pictures, but these better illustrate the problem and why it couldn't get around.

I was afraid the sore would get even bigger & more painful if we waited.

 

[rufus]

I suspect that leg problem is caused by hatching from a pullet egg that is too small. We have done three hatches with the Little Giant, and each had chicks with malformed feet.

My son says that it was just too hot, maybe he is right.

Rufus

 

[DM]

Quote:
Thanks, I loved your set up. the Birds are all so healthy and clean looking. you do a great Job. My grand kids were so excited over all the little ones.
Another egg from that sweet buff....NICE!
I love those gentle Delawares I got from you...sweet and easy to handle. thanks again for such nice birds.

 

[Tonopah Pati]

Good Morning Arizona, Just read the post about the poor baby's leg. I do hope you can fix it. Prayers for you.

ArizonaNessa, That is a very nice thing you did, giving the bird a home for life. You have a tender heart. You have been blessed. You got Eggs for your reward.

I love her name Butterscotch.

 

[LarryPQ]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CRYSTAL! (sorry I am late) Was it at least a semi-relaxing birthday---you know, besides all the kids, critters, and cleaning?

DESERTCHICK Sorry about your chickies

Are the other babies doing ok?


Well, I am teaching the 3-year-old the fine art of garage sale-ing this weekend. He bought some very nice necklaces and bracelets for his teachers for $.25 apeice.

We have a new neighbor (a mobile bookkeeper) who apparently has chickens too! She had a whole slew of silver seabrights and black saramas. Apparently someone gave them to her for free, and she had no idea what they were. They were all very young but beautiful. Maybe she'll want to trade chicks next year
***eyebrow waggle***

 

[ArizonaNessa]

LareePQG ~ It was ArizonaDesertChick with the sad chickie. sometimes I get the names all mixed up too.

DM~ Thanks so much and I am glad you like them.

ADC~ I am so sorry about your little chick. I hope all the others are doing well though.