My Cornish X chicks are 12 days old and I haven't restrict their food yet, but they are becoming less active. Today I have a chick that is crawling around the brooder--not walking. He takes a few steps occasionally. He seems to be able to get water OK, will restricting food be enough to help this guy? Or do I need to treat it another way. I've isolated him.
I don't have any of the cornish crosses myself, we went with the dark cornish this year, but it seems a bit early for "expected leg problems"... I'm wondering if he didn't just get trampled a bit by the others one of my daughters silkies had this happen a couple of days after we ot them.... it limped long just fine for a few weeks. Tried to pick it out yesterday by watching them walk, couldn't tell who had been injured! Hopefully, your little chick just needs a rest from the other, now faster chicks to get back up and moving. Sorry, I can't tell you when to start restricting but I really don't think that's what caused it, just seems too early! Could check to see if it'll need splinting (if broken) or if it is spraddle/splay(?) legged taping them closer together... mine didn't need it but I found lots on doing it when I searched in case it did. Good luck with your baby!
