Chick with a limp - what's the deal?

[happytxchick]

I bought a five-week-old chick today from a lady I've bought from before, no problems. When I fed this evening I noticed that she was limping...silly me, I didn't watch her walk before the purchase...pen so crowded that I didn't take note...from now on I'll have chicks walk a bit before purchase.

Point is, could this be an injury...her pen was kind of more crowded than I think it should be..., or are chickens sometimes born with some deformity that may cause a limp?

Any experiences from you guys?

 

[robin416]

Give it a few days to settle in. Don't provide any kind of roost or fun things to jump on and off of. It might be a very simple thing and clear on its own.

 

[fiberart57]

When I purchased my chicks I came home with a little Blue Andalusian chick who seemed normal. The next day she revealed a limp and I think some kind of crooked wing problem. From all that I've read here and elsewhere she had incubator problems and I told people (and still do) that she has avian C.P. She was a little more work because I had to separate her from the other chicks so she would eat more and I'd give her extra treats until she got bigger.

Anyway, I got her when she was 48 hours old, she is now 13 weeks old today and her limp is barely detectable. Once she got outside and could get lots of exercise she seemed to strengthen up. She "high steps" when she walks; I don't know if this is a trait particular to this breed or not, but she lifts both feet almost to her chest when she walks.

The moral of the story is that I was afraid I'd have to cull her due to her deformity but I didn't. Neither is she at the bottom of the six chicken pecking order which makes me happy because she's a special pet.

Mary

 

[happytxchick]

Thanks, y'all...I'll keep my eye on her.