Chick Won't Use Leg

[bugglesmommy]

I had chicks hatch a few days ago, and one, a bantam polish, won't stand with one leg. The other is fine and the troubled one doesn't look spraddled but she won't straighten it out or use it. She hobbles around ungracefully but isn't improving. I don't know what is wrong or how to help or if I even can.

 

[KittyUK]

I'm new here but I had a chick who didn't look like the classic spraddle (the splits) but one leg back and one forward. Back foot wasn't gripping. I used the classic band-aid splint (pics if you google) and it looks much better now. The ligaments don't tighten up straight away in the chicks and this one was squashed first day in incubator. It didnt love the splint but sort of hopped around and flapped its wings to keep balance. I made sure I put it next to water and food often checking it hadn't fallen on its back or anything.

 

[Haunted55]

Using the hobble is a good idea as well as giving them vitamins in their water. You can also try giving the chick 'physical therapy' by gently moving the leg for it. First make sure there is nothing broken or out of place! The vitamins are important right now, especially the Bs and C. these are what make the muscles grow properly as well as the nerves to make them work.