Chick with (semi-fixed?) Spraddled/splay leg.

louiseschwieker

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I have a silkie chick that hatched about 2 days ago. she hatched a couple days earlier than expected. When we put her in the broader I noticed she had straddle leg and couldn't walk. I made a brace for her when I noticed her issue. The brace i
 
This happened before she was in the brooder? If it happened later, after she had been in the brooder for a while, she slipped on a slippery surface. Chick's leg muscles aren't as strong as an adult chicken's, and if they are placed in a brooder with no bedding, on a surface such as plastic or cardboard, they slip and look as if they are doing the splits. This can be fixed by placing the chicks legs in a natural looking position and tying together so that they cannot slide any further than the position you want them to be in. Make sure the chick gets water and food, as it may be difficult for her. To prevent spraddle leg in the future, always put down traction for the chicks. Make sure the bedding is at least an two inches to three inches deep. If you don't want to use bedding (though it is more comfortable) you can use the rubber cabinet liners. They are kind of sticky and won't let the chicks slide around. DON'T use plastic, cardboard, or any other slippery surface. Good luck with your chick!
 
I took the brace off of her legs and I had washcloths and papetowels on the bottom of the broader. Her legs are normal and she's gaining strength! Thank you
 

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