Chick with feathered feet, alternative to band-aid?

[The Chickens' Maid]

We just hatched out five chicks, and I have a question about the newest one. Its legs seem just a little more splayed out than the others; I don't know how it will be able to get around, since it just hatched earlier today and isn't strong enough yet. I've heard of (I think it's called spraddle leg, or something) in chicks. And I read that, to fix this, you put a band-aid splint on the chick. I don't want to put a sticky band-aid on our chick, though, because he has feathered feet. Can anyone help? Thanks!

 

[magsrags]

Well I have used sticky bandaids with great success on my silkies w/feathered feet/legs.
Once it comes time to remove them I simply run warm water over them to get them loose and then take off....drying the chick well afterwards.

 

[magsrags]

Quote:
If simply straddle leg then go around the lower leg omitting the feet completely. Cut the bndais in 1/2 lengthwise so it is narow.

If the feet itself is a problem then that is another matter. Drop me a line & I can try to explain how to straighten bent toes etc. :<)

 

[Judy]

What about that Vet Wrap, I think it is called, bright colors, sticks to itself but has no sticky stuff on it? It is sold for people, too.

Oh, to dissolve tape or tape stickum, from feathers/skin/hair, use acetone. Nail polish remover used to be acetone. Now you have to read the label, as some types have it, some do not. I always keep nail polish remover for this purpose; never wear nail polish.

 

[kycklingar!]

vetrap is the best stuff ever. (I think it's spelled that way...) It only sticks to itself!
If you have to, though, you can also put a bit of gauze loosely around each leg before you put the band-aid on.

 

[magsrags]

Quote:
Acetone is abrasive to the skin....I know as I am sensitive to it. I do not think I'd use that on chicks leg.

I think olive oil, canola....corn or vegetble.... or any other type of natural oil might be a much better choice.

Acetone's fumes alone are toxic. Please keep that in mind.

 

[jenni2142]

I have seen where a pipe cleaner was used in a figure eight shape.

 

[The Chickens' Maid]

I tried sport-wrap on the chick's legs. I left it on for about half a day, but I think I made it worse. The legs now are normal until the knees, then they splay out. I didn't want to pull the legs too close together, because the poor little thing can't walk with it on, and I'm afraid momma hen will step on him or he will get caught in something. He seems to walk alright with his legs as they are. Should I put the splint back on, and, if I do, should I put it on lower (I had it right below his knees to a little above his ankles)? Will it be very bad if he grows up with this? Thanks!

 

[m2wandc]

Can't you put two bandaids together slightly off set (stuck to each other) and then use a small piece of the edge to seal it closed?

 

[m2wandc]

I thought you were supposed to put it on the WHOLE leg??? But don't quote me...you can find links on here with more info...

Just have to feed and water round the clock if they can't walk...