Chick arrived with bad leg, anything I can do to help?

[spookychick]

The most beautiful little chick arrived from MM today. Not sure of the breed. It may have been a freebie. Looks like a blocky headed little owl. So cute. Anyway, the poor little thing can't use one leg. Seems well formed. Is it possible it got broken during the shipping process? if so, is there anything I can do to help at this point? Gets around so-so. Will peck at food and drink on its own. I think if left on its own it will survive, but I'd like to help it get better if that's possible. Anyone have suggestions?

 

[MoodyChicken]

Now is the best time to heal broken bones. As long as the hip is intact it should heal fine. If the hip is broken or deformed there is nothing you can do. However, if the leg is injured, you can splint it with Vet Wrap or MoleSkin. Splint the injury and also loosely tie the legs together with Vet Wrap to prevent splaying. Chicks HATE it, but it's for their own good. I always have several chicks every hatch that need leg splints, and they turn out just fine. It would be a good idea to isolate him from the other chicks so they don't trample him. Place him and a buddy in a small box and make sure feed and water are easily accessible and he should heal fine. Chicks are very resilient.

 

[spookychick]

The hip is in good shape, the poor baby just can't seem to use its foot, is how it looks to me. Getting around fairly well. Eats and drinks just fine. I did isolate my weaker and smallest chicks to a separate brooder, so trampling and pecking isn't a problem. In fact, this one seems well liked by the others.

Could it be the foot isn't broken, but just paralyzed or something? Looks well formed to me, just turns in a little because it isn't being used. I can try taping it up and see if that helps. Thanks for the advice!

 

[horsejody]

If the toes are curled, you can make it a little orthopedic boot, and it will be fine in a few days. I had one that had curled toes on both feet and splayed legs. He wore ortho boots and leg braces for a few days and was fine. I also gave him polyvisol vitamins dribbled on his beak.

Here is a picture of Baby Gimley sleeping with all of his orthos on. Yes, he did learn to stand and walk with them.

 

[spookychick]

Awww... So sweet. Good to know there's hope for my "little owl". I'll try the foot tape. Maybe that will do it. Thank you!

 

[horsejody]

There are plenty of threads on here showing how to make the little boots. If his toes are curled, cut a piece of thin cardboard about the size of the foot. Tape the foot to the cardboard with a piece of bandaid. Get some polyvisol (without iron) and dribble a few drops on his beak everyday for a few days.

Are curled toes the problem?

 

[chickensioux]

OMG HorseJody that is the cutest pic I've ever seen. That's what i've had to do with some babies before, it works....

 

[spookychick]

Quote:
The whole foot curves in slightly, and doesn't seem able to function. The toes aren't actually curled up - just the foot slightly curves in, if that makes sense. I made a little boot, which is offering some balance help now. I'll have to get the polyvisol later today when I run to the store.

 

[horsejody]

He'll be fine. His little homemade orthos will cure him. Baby Gimley can run just as well as his brother now. He almost jumped out of the brooder yesterday. His feet and legs are perfectly normal.