Chick Leg Injury?

[Lizzy733]

Actually, I was going to suggest an Epsom salt soak! I'd try again each day. Remember, this little one has NO life experience, so everything is new & great, until it's new & frightening. If a soak & a cuddle are routine, she might adjust faster than you think. And the minerals will absorb in thru the skin & help to lessen the swelling, soreness & speed her healing.

From the way her interactions with you have been described, she already knows that she's safe & loved. Good job!

Yeah, glad for that considering this one was broody bred, but my flock is pretty tiny and very hand tamed. It (and yes hopefully she) has been very attention seeking, but panics if I try to pick up so not sure if that's injury or just a lack of control thing.

 

[Lizzy733]

So the bruising is starting to really show. Maybe it was a crushing injury? Should I be worried about any internal injuries in that area? It is a bit swollen compared to the other side. More anti inflam and this was post Epsom soak.

 

[Shezadandy]

So the bruising is starting to really show. Maybe it was a crushing injury? Should I be worried about any internal injuries in that area? It is a bit swollen compared to the other side. More anti inflam and this was post Epsom soak.

As long as s(he) is eating, drinking and pooping - I wouldn't worry too much about internal injuries. Chickens are amazing at healing themselves. It's got to go through the healing process .. also not much we can do about internal injuries except give them time.

That last picture gives a good hint at why s(he) isn't happy about being picked up- the feathers are starting to come in. See how they're still encased and just poking through? Chickens are very sensitive during this time and some say being handled while in feather growth is painful to them.

 

[Lizzy733]

Yeah, I know pinfeather are sensitive. Makes moving this one very tricky as it cries out and struggles everytime regardless of the hold.
Fecals have been a bit soft today and several small poops back to back instead of one full sized poop so assuming that's from the muscle soreness. They're not runny - color and cecals still typical.
Tried offering some scrambled eggs, but this one turned them down over crumble. Still alert and trying to get around on occasion, but not really any improvement in mobility.

 

[Lizzy733]

Not really any signs of improvement or deterioration - will be going to the vets today to verify if we're dealing with a fracture or not and to see if we need any additional medication. There's a bit of bruising around the knee showing up now as well.
My vet specializes in avian\reptile, so she'll be in knowledgeable hands.

 

[Lizzy733]

Unfortunately, we decided to put the chick down as the wing and hip joint were both too swollen to really form a diagnosis without x-rays. The vet was concerned the extent of the injury may point inherent joint weakness due to how it was presenting. We're both thinking nutrition or genetic issues with the parent stock considering its sibling failed at 19 days incubation and there were signs of mild feather deformity in the primaries and its slow rate of feather growth. So will go through a different breeder the next time around.

 

[ChickNanny13]

 

[Shezadandy]

I am so sorry. It's always tough when you've been taking such close care of them.

 

[Lizzy733]

I am so sorry. It's always tough when you've been taking such close care of them.

Indeed.. my 5 year old son was 'very' close to naming this chick Skeksicon - good thing he rescinded the name at the last second. Thankfully, he wasn't too broken up about it and understood it was for its own good. Reflecting back, it had actually taken a downturn that day and was definitely paining much more than it had in previous days.

 

[Shezadandy]

Indeed.. my 5 year old son was 'very' close to naming this chick Skeksicon - good thing he rescinded the name at the last second. Thankfully, he wasn't too broken up about it and understood it was for its own good. Reflecting back, it had actually taken a downturn that day and was definitely paining much more than it had in previous days.

That is a good lesson to learn at a young age, true respect for life and the animals in your care.