Chick wobbly and walking on tiptoes

[Corgisbunniesnchicks]

I have 12 various bantam chicks that are 12 days old. We got them from Cackle and they had a rough trip. I shared an order with someone else and between us we lost 4 chicks and 3 ducklings—either DOA or died within the first couple days.
One of my little white silkies was doing fine until about 2-3 days ago she seemed less active, staying under the heater more. When I started forcing her out she was very wobbly and had difficulty getting around but she managed to drink ok and eat a little. I started giving her a little cooked egg yolk every day starting 2 days ago. I also make sure she gets out every couple of hours during the day to drink and see if she will eat. Last night I tried putting some little paper towel and paper tape “shoes” on her but that seemed to make things worse.

Does anyone have an idea what’s causing this? At first I thought she was curling her toes under. I have 2 waters in the brooder—1 has Sav-a-Chick electrolyte and probiotics, and the other has ACV. She mostly drinks from the one with the Sav-A-Chick. They have been on Purina medicated chick starter since they arrived. Last night I got some Durvet Vitamins and added some to the water, as well as giving her a drop or 2 several times a day. Before that I had been giving her Nutradrench poultry by the dropful. Since I’ve been writing this she has come out of the heater on her own and gotten some water so there’s a little progress but her leg is still almost completely straight.

Thanks in advance for any advice or help.
Tara
Here’s a video I tried to get of her movement:
https://youtube.com/shorts/7ZfC98aQO40?feature=share

 

[Aapomp831]

Could possibly be splayed leg?

@Eggcessive
@Wyorp Rock

 

[Corgisbunniesnchicks]

Should I try leg hobbles? She has feathered legs...what’s the best material to use? I saw something in the resource links about using 2 hobbles—1 above the hocks and 1 below—does anyone have experience doing that with an older chick (not brand new).

Also I tried separating her last night when I put those shoes on—all I had was a lamp with an incandescent bulb because the heating plate is in the brooder. I put the most laid back and next smallest chick in with her but she still pecked her relentlessly and the poor thing cried the whole time because she couldn’t move either due to the shoes. I don’t know what to do with her if I try the hobbles...

I would appreciate any help...I really want to help this baby!

 

[Eggcessive]

She might have a slipped tendon or leg bone deformity, but vitamins may be all she needs. I would stick with vitamins—riboflavin specifically which you can find in human b complex tablets, Polyvisol without iron, Poultry Cell, and possibly in the Durvet vitamins, but check the label. NutriDrench does not have that. I would not hobble her. If her toes are pointed or curled under, you could make here shoes. Here is a link that shows how to tape the toes:
https://www.mypetchicken.com/backya...-toes-are-all-curled-up-whats-wrong-H293.aspx

 

[Corgisbunniesnchicks]

Thank you SO much for responding and for your sound advice! I only gave the Nutradrench until I could get something better...I’ve discontinued that now. The Durvet does have riboflavin but it is difficult to dose for droplets—great for adding to water. I may still get the polyvisol w/o iron so I can dose directly in her mouth. I hope I’m not imagining things simply because I want her to get better so badly...but just in the last couple of hours she has come out on her own to eat and drink, and she SEEMS like she’s walking a tiny bit better. I’ve gotten so attached to this baby!!
Thanks for the link too!

 

[Eggcessive]

Let us know how she gets along and good luck.

 

[Corgisbunniesnchicks]

I will...thanks!

 

[Corgisbunniesnchicks]

Our little baby has taken a turn for the worse She hasn’t come out on her own at all today and several times when we’ve gone to get her out she’s been on her back. She’s only half-heartedly getting water and food. It doesn’t help that the rest of the chicks are getting bigger and stronger...so they’re knocking her over and stepping on her. I gave her some egg which she readily ate but not a lot. Later I gave her some softened feed and she ate some of that too. She is very sleepy. I’ve continued the vitamins but there’s no improvement in her leg. I hate the thought of euthanizing her but I wonder if it would be the kind thing to do at this point. I feel so sorry for her. If I thought she had any chance I would be willing for a “special needs” chicken but I don’t want her to suffer...
It may be answered for me overnight.

Any thoughts?