A ten day old splash orpington chick was brought to me to care for, because it had been "lame for about three days." I believed it to be a slipped tendon. I had never encountered that condition before, and began to research. I quickly discovered the unanimous consensus that, beyond 24 hours, replacing the tendon is not possible. Despite this, I tried, gently, to no avail.
I am not able to cull a bird that desires strongly to survive. So many will just give up. I am prepared to accept their decision when they do so. But when they plainly choose to survive, I will back that decision, too. This baby has so much heart, and wants to live. 'Nuff said on that point.
I thought perhaps that the chick would adapt. I have seen a hen who used her knee joint as a foot. The joint had formed a large calloused pad, and served her quite well. So, I got my little chick a gentle companion, and put them in a small hutch. It has been about three weeks.
I see that some sort of permanent splint is necessary. The tendon has slipped to the outside of the joint. Therefore ais it has contracted it has caused the foot to tend to swing out to the side and catch as she tries to walk. This is obviously both inconvenient and perhaps even painful. Certainly she looks quite stressed. I think that if some sort of splint could be fashioned that would keep the foot in line with her body she would be able to proceed rather well. It is only that tendency for the leg to swing out at the hip that is causing the problem. However I cannot think of a way to do this without causing constrictions that might be dangerous as she develops. I realize that I am reaching here but I Wonder has anyone come across this problem and found a viable solution? I tell you if I won the lotto today I would instantly invest whatever was necessary to have this little girl surgically fixed. She is such a dear, and wants so very much to be healthy.
Any help will be greatly appreciated!
I am not able to cull a bird that desires strongly to survive. So many will just give up. I am prepared to accept their decision when they do so. But when they plainly choose to survive, I will back that decision, too. This baby has so much heart, and wants to live. 'Nuff said on that point.
I thought perhaps that the chick would adapt. I have seen a hen who used her knee joint as a foot. The joint had formed a large calloused pad, and served her quite well. So, I got my little chick a gentle companion, and put them in a small hutch. It has been about three weeks.
I see that some sort of permanent splint is necessary. The tendon has slipped to the outside of the joint. Therefore ais it has contracted it has caused the foot to tend to swing out to the side and catch as she tries to walk. This is obviously both inconvenient and perhaps even painful. Certainly she looks quite stressed. I think that if some sort of splint could be fashioned that would keep the foot in line with her body she would be able to proceed rather well. It is only that tendency for the leg to swing out at the hip that is causing the problem. However I cannot think of a way to do this without causing constrictions that might be dangerous as she develops. I realize that I am reaching here but I Wonder has anyone come across this problem and found a viable solution? I tell you if I won the lotto today I would instantly invest whatever was necessary to have this little girl surgically fixed. She is such a dear, and wants so very much to be healthy.
Any help will be greatly appreciated!
