Bent toe

[enggass]

I have a brand new baby Blue Copper Maran I just hatched yesterday. Problem is on her left foot the middle toe appears to be bent/twisted... What can I do to help her and/or what will happen if I just leave it and let her grow up with a bent toe? S/he is healthy and strong otherwise...

 

[SimplySplendidSilkies]

Make her a little show with cardboard and tape her foot to it. If that won't stay I sometimes use clear tape. Good luck!

 

[enggass]

When you say sometimes you use clear tape, do you mean just tape and no cardboard shoe? Sort of like a splint? Also, she was born yesterday afternoon, can I wait till I get home this afternoon to do this? and last, how effective is this...?

 

[SimplySplendidSilkies]

I have had a couple who spent too much time hatching and came out with some curled or bent toes. At first I was doing the cardboard shoes but was not having luck. So on a whim I decided to try just taping the tape to its self and after a day or so things were fine. I just tape the bottom of the foot in the position I want it to be in and then tape over top of that. In a couple of days you and wet the tape and let it be for an bit and it should come off easily. If caught early enough the chick should be fine. But I always check toes when taking out of the incubator so noone sits with curled toes over night.
Good luck!
Tisha

 

[Judy]

I chuckled a little when I saw the title of this thread, as my favorite roo was named "Bent Toe." If the toe is not rubbing another and is bent sideways he will do fine with it. I agree, do what you can with tape and/or cardboard, but don't get too worried if it doesn't end up looking perfectly normal.