Chick with curled toes

[TitiBebbs]

Hey y'all! I'm new to the chicken scene. Daddy's been aching to get his chickens but he's only here with them for 2 weeks at a stretch, leaving their care to me. I read all his BYC issues before he got the first group (5 weeks ago) and have found many great sites for info. I got some newer chicks the other day and found one I chose (because it was so fluffy and sweet-looking) has curled toes on both feet. I IMMEDIATELY went to feathersite and found out about taping (splinting) the toes to straighten them out. I was able to do this using medical tape rather that the (what looks like) duct tape. However, there is no information I have found telling how long to leave them spinted, nor how to remove the tape without hurting my baby ( I'm hoping she's a girl) Rose. After only 1 day, her 'bandages' were crusted with feces, even though I replace the bedding (paper towels) a few times a day. I picked it off but couldn't tell if she was stressed from being picked at, or if it was hurting her. I haven't tried removing the tape because I don't want to cause any pain. Does anyone have advice on this matter?

 

[JamesC]

Usually, if done immediately, it takes 3 days or so. I use masking tape which comes off easily.
Try peeling it off and watch her for a few minutes to see how she is walking and whether or not the toes are curling again. If they are, put fresh tape on and leave it for a couple of days longer.

James

 

[AccidentalFarm]

I searched for 'curled toes' and came up with quite a few posts. Here's the link to one of them where Wes describes using a butter dish lid as a 'shoe'. Hopefully you'll find the thread helpful- I did not read it in it's entirety.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=2650

 

[TitiBebbs]

Thank you! And so fast. I forgot to mention that one toe on each foot was curled down-almost like trying to hold on to something. Sorry, not technologically advanced-no digicam yet. In the picture, I used it looked like a matchstick was taped into the splint, so I did that too. Before, she wasn't walking much, just kind of laying around or moving only as much as needed. Now she's walking around well. I'll check on them tomorrow and like I've been doing, I'll keep praying it works. Thank you again!

 

[AccidentalFarm]

You're very welcome! I hope all turns out well. Please keep us posted on what you did and how the chickie fared.

Oh, and welcome to BYC! It really is a great site, and we're glad to have you join!

 

[TitiBebbs]

Update on little Rose's (gosh I hope it is a girl) toes. I removed the splints on the 26th, a few days after putting it on. Immediately I saw it! NO MORE CURLED TOES! However, there are now 2 that look very similar, except for the size and I can't recall which one is little Rose. Teehee.