Bum leg

[roseydv]

This gorgeous chick came out of her shell like this. Actuall I had to assist, very carefully. My heart ached with the constant peeping and no progress, after >24 hours. We tried to correct thinking it was a tendon displacement (?). But we were afraid that we were making it worse. Watching today, I realized she will probably will not able to roost with that leg. Now I. Know these girls are adaptable and I’m wondering if anybody has had similar experience.

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[Callender Girl]

I don't know if anything can be done to fix her leg. While I'm guessing that some people will tell you to cull her, in my experience, animals with what we would consider "handicaps" tend to adapt to their circumstances.

One of my Cochin Bantam chicks had the most curled feet I've ever seen on. Despite immediately making boots for her, Maxie's feet -- throughout her life -- were horrible. She walked on the sides of them, but she could keep up with all the other chickens.

My hen, Sally, whose leg never properly worked after surgery for a stricture wound, hopped one-legged as fast as the rest of the flock could run and was a fierce little warrior. Nerve damage to a runner duck's leg meant she dragged that leg behind her.

But, those girls found ways to eat, drink, integrate with the flock and live pretty good lives. Maybe your chick can roost, maybe not. But as long as she doesn't seem to be in pain, maybe it doesn't matter. I have a couple of hens who choose not to roost.

Good luck with your baby!

 

[roseydv]

Thank you! I should cull but that face! Anyway I will watch and see how she adapts. Thanks again for your input.