chick with broken (?) wing

[ravenseye57]

I just went out to check on my Black Australorp hen with 10 six day old chicks and one chick had a wing hanging limp and dragging. They all looked fine this morning so something must have just happened to it. I have the family separated from the flock in a dog crate in the shed so I suspect the mama accidentally injured it with too vigorous scratching for food. I've seen her catch and fling chicks before when she scratches. She's a first time mom and maybe doesn't know better (?). I brought the chick in and put it with a late hatcher that I already had inside (another story!). Should I do something with the wing? Tape it up or something?

 

[Judy]

Yes, that's what I would do if it's dragging the ground. Otherwise it is bound to rub a wound into the wing. Probably with duct tape, but not all the way around the chicken. You could also use vet wrap. It probably won't heal normally, but at least the bones will knit this way, held still.

 

[cbrown86]

I'd use gauze to wrap it. I'd be afraid duct tape would pull the feathers of the poor little thing.

 

[ravenseye57]

Thanks. I think I'll try the gauze and a bit of first aid tape. At least the little guy doesn't have to do any flying in the future!