Chick lying down, feet curled

[JacksonPearce]

We've recently hatched chicks in the incubator. One had what I thought was simply spraddle leg, but then was dead this afternoon when I got home from work (about 8 hours after hatch-- I just didn't have time to hobble legs this morning!). Then, tonight, another chick is lying down and has her feet curled up. She's peeping up a storm. Any thoughts? I'm going to give her electrolytes, but I'm wondering if I should perhaps do something more robust (tylan?).

 

[sylviethecochin]

Try vitamin supplements. Always try vitamin supplements first--and especially riboflavin (b12), because it's the most common reason for curled toes. Vitamin E and selenium are also important, but I believe those two can be poisonous if they build up too much.

You can get them at walmart, in bird vitamin supplements, or over the counter for humans.

 

[JacksonPearce]

Alright, I've done some electrolytes and vitamins, and will go grab some vitamin E tomorrow. I also went ahead and taped feet flat and hobbled legs as best I could. I think things look rather bad though, to be honest. Before I taped her up, she'd dragged herself around to the point of scraping her toes and drawing blood, even on paper towels!

Any other suggestions, anyone? I've tried adjusting/realigning her tendon, but I don't think that's the problem. Furthermore...anyone know at what point I should put her down, if it comes to that? I want to try to save her, but I also don't want her to suffer or drag it out if she's doomed. Photo of her and my other leg-problem baby (an olandsk) attached.

 

[JacksonPearce]

Daw a video of someone who treated slipped tendons (assuming that's what these are) by immobilizing and casting with straws. I'm going to give this a shot tomorrow!

 

[ClickCluckMoo]

Sounds like you are doing everything you can. I am sorry to say that if it hasn't improved much in the next few days, you should probably put it down. Though I hate to admit it, that might be the best way to go, especially since this is a hatch defect, which can be pretty crumby to try to fix. Your call, though. And good luck!

Hoping your chick gets better

~ClickCluckMoo~

 

[Eggcessive]

Riboflavin (vitamin B2, not 12) is very important to use for curled toes. I would just use a good poultry vitamin or give 2-3 drops of plain PolyVisol (no iron) daily. Make a little chick chair with food and water in front of her, where she can touch the floor, and start teaching her to drink and eat. Foot problems are common in chicks from various possible reasons--incubator temperature fluctuation, humidity, or parent stock being deficient in vitamins or minerals.

 

[JacksonPearce]

The chick chairs aren’t pretty, but I believe they’re functional!

 

[Eggcessive]

Awww, very cute. I hope they along with chick vitamins help.

 

[eatbeef14]

I've heard that giving them yogurt gets their energy up and is very beneficial. Hope he gets better.