Classic free chick at the feed store...

[diamondsilkies]

Around this time of year I usually head over to the Ace in my town that has chicks. I raise bantams mostly, but I like to get a few colorful egg-layers. I was looking for some marans and easter eggers, but they were sold out of marans until next week. The man in charge of chicks recommended Welsummers for a dark brown egg as well, but said that he only had one, who happened to have some leg issue. He said he'd give her to me for free, and well, I couldn't say no.

I'm not sure what's wrong with the Welsummer's leg, though. She has a significant limp, and he thought that her leg might have gotten caught under the divider in the box during shipping. He said with a little patience and care she should be back to normal, and I have some good experience with splayed legs and curved toes, so I thought this could be another thing that I could tackle.

I'm not really sure what I should do for her though, or if there's anything I can do? The other two aren't picking on her at all, and she can get to food and water easily. She hops sometimes, or limps, and when she's still she'll either stand on one leg or sit down. It doesn't seem to be swollen at all, and her good foot is actually the one that looks a little weird.

What should I do? She seems pretty happy and content, unlike other chicks I've had with leg issues that were really uncomfortable. Any advice?

 

[Chelsa'sChicks]

I don't have much experience with leg issues except I'd give the bird a chance. Sounds like he found a fortunate home with you!
The only thing I know is that my 1200 lb horse stepped on my young pullets foot and leg. No compound fractures, but it was red, hot and swollen. She could not bear weight then a few days later could hop and now (3 weeks) she is fine. She runs, walks and flutters up into the loft without problems. I'm not sure if her youth or will had either to play in this part.

 

[diamondsilkies]

Thanks. I'm hoping that since she's only around four days old that it will heal up with no problem. I noticed that on the same side as her bad foot she holds her wing weirdly. It's hard to describe; I'll see if I can get a picture.

 

[Eggcessive]

Picture of her standing from the front can help, if it is something like a slipped tendon or a leg bone deformity. Their are some good articles to read if you Google “leg bone deformities in poultry.” Usually there is no successful treatment for deformities, and they can worsen with age causing tendon rupture sometimes. Others can survive with the handicap.

It always helps to try chick vitamins that include riboflavin (vitamin B 2,) since vitamins and some physical therapy can help. Make sure the chick is on a non-slip surface or bedding, and can reach food and water.

 

[chickens really]

She was free and as long as it can get around it should be okay. Nice of you to give the little Chick a chance..
Best wishes.

 

[diamondsilkies]

Ok, I'm planning on going back to get two marans on Tuesday, so I'll pick up some chick vitamins then. And she can walk around pretty well, too. I have them in a smaller terrarium for now since there's only three of them, and that way she won't have to walk as far to get food and water. I'll give them a bigger space when I get the marans.

It was hard to get a photo that showed the legs well, but maybe this will do? If I need to try to get a better photo, let me know.

I did notice that you can see some veins on the backs of her legs pretty clearly, but that might just be her light skin. She tends to sit down more often then the others, which makes sense, but when she does, she kind of tilts to the side like she doesn't want to put much pressure on the leg. I got a video of that, and also of her walking around a little.

 

[diamondsilkies]

So I'm wondering if there's something wrong with her wing as well. It sort of folds, I don't know how well you can see it in the videos. I'm thinking of giving her a figure 8 bandage (I think that's what it's called). Anyone have any experience with these? Have they worked for you, and when have you used them?

 

[Conan]

You know, I have a little speckled sussex that was also limping. I could also see her leg veins really clearly on her gimpy leg. She tended to use her wing to help her balance. I watched her really closely, making certain that she ate and drank plenty. I also very gently massaged her tiny leg every day. I am happy to report that she is using her leg again and getting stronger every day

 

[diamondsilkies]

@honanbm yeah, I can see some veins on her good leg but I can see them very clearly on her bad leg. Maybe she is using her wing for balance like yours and it just looks weird? I didn't think about massaging, I'll try that, since she doesn't seem to be in pain when I touch it. Glad your chick recovered and thank you for the advice!

 

[Charm1704]

I think your chick with a limp is an Easter Egger, not a Marans, I raise Marans an they are not pattern like that chick. ...Charm1704