Chicks arrived in the mail, one is paralyzed!

I had a similar issue when I got my chicks. Except unlike you, I picked them up at the hatchery and even watched the lady pack them into a box for me. She let me look at them and they were all seemingly healthy at first glance. But when I got them home, it was clear that one couldn't walk properly. Her toes looked much like yours and her little hocks were rubbed raw. She got around by scooting on her hocks. I poked around on the forum long enough to learn how to bandage her feet to brace them. It was awkward and scary. I thought I was going to break her little toes! But after a few days, I peeled off the bandaids, again, a little scary but water helped loosen them and she was much better. She is now nearly 16 weeks old and getting around fine. I probably should have left the braces on a little longer because her toes aren't perfectly straight. It took her a little longer to catch up to her sisters in size and development too. She nearly died in the time it took me to research her issue so I suspect this is why. The only other lasting effects, besides her slightly curled toes, is that she tends to fall behind when free ranging and wanders off enough to lose the flock. But she usually comes running when she realizes.

 
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The booties are a good idea! I shall print your picture and put in my chickie file in case I need it in the future! I have 40 babies right now, so I think I'm pretty set for a while! But ya never know! Thanks for the pic!
 
No avian vet nearby, I'm afraid, and all my friends with chickens aren't quite as. . . motherly as I am with the chickens. I certainly don't hold that against them, I do tend to be a little soft around critters, but I'm pretty sure they'd all tell me the same thing. . . and I'm not willing to kill this baby just because she's different. Since I don't have anyone close by, I thought I'd try here!

I'm curious if I can use Neosporin ointment on her legs and wrap her up a little? I'm an AKC dog breeder (champion line Chinese Cresteds) and so I have a bunch of tiny medical supplies and decent veterinary training for canines. If Neosporin would be okay for this chick, I'd like to try wrapping her legs.
You need the neosporin without pain medication in it.
 
I'm very sad to report that Gimpy passed away this evening in my arms. She stopped eating this morning and was lethargic. I kept her wrapped in a blanket and carried her around with me all day, offering water and chick gel and feed every 30 minutes or so. She just chirped once and closed her eyes about 7 p.m. and didn't open them again.

RIP, Gimpy. You were loved the short time you were with us <3
 
Awwww.
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So sorry! You did everything you could.
 
AWW so sorry!! I too am raising a gimpy of my own. not named yet. It didn't hatch fast enough and it's little legs don't work right. Can't even get one under it.
i tried many different homemade braces and finally gave up when all I seemed to do was irritate it's skin.
it is 2 weeks old now. has never walked. It just flaps and uses the one leg I taped the toes on to pull around.
I keep telling myself every day is a gift and just hope for the best.
 
Ive had one. This can be genetic or do to improper housing. But they can live a happy life, just need more attention and she probably wont walk properly but she should get stronger and be able to get around. Wish you best of luck!
 
Ive had one. This can be genetic or do to improper housing. But they can live a happy life, just need more attention and she probably wont walk properly but she should get stronger and be able to get around. Wish you best of luck!
 

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