Chick with gimpy leg

[journey11]

One of my 4 week old chicks has something wrong with her leg. When she's sitting on the ground, she has it stretched out straight behind her. I picked her up and examined it closely. The foot feels a little colder than the other and from the knee joint down it is hanging loosely with no resistance or movement on her part when I move it back and forth. Nothing feels broken, no discoloration to the skin. She won't bear any weight on it. I have her isolated in the basement in a separate cage. My best guess is a torn muscle or tendon. Do you think there is any chance it will heal?

 

[PrettyPekins]

Hi- I will be interested to see your replies. See my similar problem just posted. Best of luck. Tracey.

 

[Eggcessive]

Can you post a picture. You may want to Google "leg bone deformities in chickens," and look for various problems that may cause tendon rupture. Some of the common deformities are varus valgus deformity, twisted leg, tibial dyschondroplasia, and a slipped tendon could also be a problem. Very few of these can be fixed, but many try splinting the leg and foot in a normal position. Giving poultry vitamins with trace minerals would be something to try to help.

 

[BuffOrpington88]

Hi! Do you think that it would help to make a splint out of a band aid or pipe cleaner or something, or does it not seem like that would work in this case?

 

[Eggcessive]

I would try splinting, but not many of these problems are successfully treated.

 

[journey11]

She is sitting with both legs stretched out oddly in front of her now. Not eating or drinking even though it is right where she can reach. I think she is in pain. Thanks for your replies. I'm afraid she is not going to survive. I don't want her to suffer. That is the hard part.

 

[Eggcessive]

Do you have a family member or friend who might put her down for you? That is always the hard part about having chicks or chickens, since not all will be healthy and survive. We must be able to not let them suffer, but it is sometimes difficult to put them down ourselves.Sorry about the chick.