Can chickens with spraddle live? Is it unethical to keep one?

[Squeaky's mom]

I have a 7 week old cochin bantam chick. She developed spraddle leg--at least that's what I think it is. Is it too late to try the mini-hobble technique on her? Is it wrong to keep her alive and do chickens live with spraddle? If she wouldn't be in pain I would be happy to keep her in the house. Please help!

 

[RAWR]

does she seemed bothered by it? if not, let her live her life.
and you can try to correct it.

 

[Jmurcks]

I was going to ask the same exact question just now!
I had one hatch yesterday that kind of "scoots" around on it's bottom rather than walking.
Today it seems to be able to stand a little bit on its own and run little short distances but still falls down on it's rear and it looks just like it's legs go out to the side... is that how yours is doing, too?

 

[Jmurcks]

Mine is a cochin bantam chick, too.

 

[Imp]

I think it is treatable

http://www.poultryhelp.com/spraddle.html

Imp

 

[SilverPhoenix]

I would definitely try the mini-hobble technique--after all, it's worth trying it out! You never know, it might do the trick. I successfully used the hobble technique on some baby wild turkeys I got in for wildlife rehab. The turkeys didn't make it (due to another issue), but within a few days they were walking around completely normally and happy as can be.

And I agree--I think it's a matter of whether the animal has a will to live and whether it seems to be in pain. I have a chick that hatched with a leg that sticks out behind it and therefore it has to drag itself along (I've been trying to find a way to correct this, but it's difficult--it seems to be an issue with the hip or thereabouts), but it eats well, drinks well, is bright and alert, and doesn't appear to be in pain, so I intend on keeping it whether I'm able to fix the problem or not. If a handicapped animal isn't suffering, I don't see why it shouldn't have a chance to live its life the best it can!

 

[RAWR]

Jmurcks, its early enough so that your chick can make a 100% recovery, i'll look for a link

 

[Redcatcher]

I had a Easter Egger hen (Americauana X Rhode Island Red) that was badly spraddle legged as a chick live to be 18 years old. Towards the end of her days she had white feathers all around her face and her beard had sagged halfway down her neck. She hobbled but got around well and her toes were curled inward. She DID wear splints as a chick but it only corrected the problem so much.

 

[Jmurcks]

Quote:
Oh please do! I really didn't want to "off" one... esp. one I watched hatch AND out of my first ever hatch! ( I have two )
Thanks!!

 

[clarkestep]

How soon after hatch does this occur? I have one that just won't stand for anything. It just lays on it's stomach.... seems lethargic and won't even cheep much. It seems to be breathing okay and healthy otherwise. Are there any other symptoms, besides it's legs in the 'split' position? Like do they just not have control of them?