chick arrived with dislocated leg

[playmeasong]

The good news is that we got our shipment from Ideal. THe bad news is that one chick has what I presume to be a dislocated leg. I found him wedged underneath the straw when I removed the packing. I guess he had been wedged underneath there. He's eating and trying to hobble around, but with the one leg completely useless, he's stressed and has been sleeping the last 1/2 hr (arrived 9a EST). I can feel at his hip joint the dislocation, not symmetrical with the other side. The leg is rotated laterally (outwards).
Is there anything that can be done for him? I tried to tape them in place w/medical tape but the tape was too wide for his legs and he kept falling flat on his breast.

Thanks to all...

 

[lemurchaser]

It needs to be put back in the socket. I would take it to the vet and have it fixed, or cull/euthanize it. Dislocations are very painful.

 

[playmeasong]

The other ones (12 others) are pecking at him, and he's trying to fend himself, and I see that he's in pain. I"ve watched the leg be reinserted in the socket in humans, but not sure if I should try it with this chick.
What do you think?
Jen

 

[Katy]

It may also have splay leg which can be treated.

 

[SpottedCrow]

I would give it a shot...you have nothing to lose.

 

[lemurchaser]

Palpate first to find the socket and where the bone is located. Use slow and steady pressure to move it back. Generally a slow range of motion movement will cause it to go back in. There is a very high chance that it pops back out, so you may have to hold it in position for a while, so the muscles stop spasming. You can only do it if the animal is relaxed, or else you risk ripping the muscle off the bone.

I wouldn't do it without muscle relaxers (and pain meds), but it is your call.