chick born with one leg!

[Twizzlebee]

I had a SLW hatch three days ago with one normal leg, and one completely missing. Can't even find a hip bone. I'm baffled. What do I even do now? It seems to scoot itself to the food and water fine, although I do help it eat and drink too. I am just unsure what I should do about the poor little guy. Does it have any chance at life?

 

[Jensownzoo]

As long as there aren't any other abnormalities, sure there's a chance. Other people have chickens with one leg for various reasons. You may have to help train it to stand upright though--build the correct muscles by putting it in a coffee cup or similar for shortish periods (think physical therapy) so that it is supported while standing.

 

[realsis]

Absolutely it has a chance! Other people have them with one leg and they do great. It will learn to build the muscles up in its leg and learn to hop about. I would make sure preditors can't get at it as it may be slower but absolutely it will adapt. You might need to help it a bit while it's young but I'm confident it has the ability to lead a full and happy normal life. The one leg chicks I've seen learned to hop about and can move quite well. That will be yours. It will overcome it's handicap and be just fine as it gets older. God bless it. Help it out now when it needs it and as it matures it will become much more self reliant.