Baby chick..don't think it's straddle leg

[jackzdoll]

I adopted a baby chicken from my daughter's Kindergarten class (they were studying eggs). One of the chicks (just over a week old) just falls over and since the others were about to display survival of the fittest, I grabbed him and took him home. I looked up straddle leg but his legs aren't splayed. They seem normal in position. When I hold him upright, his body seems short for his head and his wings are very short. He's imbalanced. If I prop him up against his left side by a wall, he can stand and tries to walk. But then he falls over. I've put him on carpet for footing and if I hold my hands lightly around him, he gets a few inches but his balance is off the whole time and he's leaning on the left. He has been scooting himself around with his feet, while on his side. He eats and drinks with assistance. I've started giving him vitamins and he has a heat lamp. I just don't know what to do. I'm not trained in chickens (more of a dog/cat person) but I can't find this type of problem anywhere. And there are no chicken vets in our area- I've even tried wildlife people. So, I would love some help. Right now I'm wondering if I could fashion some sort of walker for the little guy. Would that even be helpful or is it cruel to let him live like this?

needed to add that he's seems to have a growth on the right side where his chest is. I'm not sure if this is normal, or if his chest if off center, but that might have something to do with his imbalance and does anyone know what the growth could be?

 

[barnwife]

The lump next to /slightly above his chest might be his crop (first stomach where food gets ground up by grit and small stones before moving on down)


As far as being dizzy or unable to stand, this problem usually gets worse, and is usually caused by disease.

I am not an expert. Please wait for someone else to give you the full shabang for it.

 

[MaineChickens]

Chicken anatomy- ^^^
The crop is the storage tank... the gizzard is where the grinding takes place. The spot you mention is the crop. The gizzard is internal.

 

[jackzdoll]

it's nice to at least know that that part is

is it normal for the crop to be off to the side? when you look at him head on, it is off to the right. constantly makes him look like he's slightly sideways.

 

[jwoodall]

The lump you mention is the crop. As far as being off balance, I hope someone can offer you advice. Good Luck little chick!

 

[jackzdoll]

by the way, if it is disease, how do you find out what it is and is it something children should not be around. i have 3 kids and they love holding him (i make sure it is in moderation and under strict supervision so the little guy isn't overwhelmed).

 

[plus5]

I have something similar with my chick, just hatched 2 days ago. tried to get up but just can't. Tilts head a bit but I think that is because he is trying to balance and is now just used to that. I keep holding him to try and strengthen the leg muscles in case that is way it his. Chick is good every other way.

 

[Judy]

Crops are often off center when full. It should be much smaller in the morning.

The sorts of diseases the chick could have are complex. Not sure even a vet could tell you for sure. It could be something that will transfer to your other chickens. But it is unlikely to be something that will transfer to people. Of course, we should always wash hands and follow other biosecurity measures.

Some here would cull. Others would provide supportive care and see how it goes.

Good luck, whatever you do.

 

[jackzdoll]

since monday, i've been feeding the chick and providing water and heat. since tuesday, i've been giving him vitamins. today, his took a few steps in a row until he fell over. i'm taking this as a good sign. perhaps he just lacked nutrition? he still lies over in the bin, but he seems to keep his head up a bit more and he pushes himself up against the side of the bin and can walk a few steps on his own. Not caling it success yet, but am I wrong to feel hopeful?

 

[splashie]

Pulling at straws here, but check the vent (back side) to see if there is poo collected in the area plugging the vent.

It might be Pasty Butt, if so, soak in warm water and work the area until clean, be gentle.

After, dry the area and apply a light coat of petroleum jelly to the area.

Keep the little chick warm!

I had one little chick with the same symptoms and once I cleaned him up and he was able to relieve himself all was ok.

I'm not saying that is the case here, but it's worth looking into.