Crooked Toes

[Swbertrand1]

I'd try, even at 5 weeks, to straighten those toes out using tape. She'll be better off for it later in life, which can be a long time. You'll likely have to do a little at a time since the bones are harder at 5 weeks than 1 week. The chick would have to keep each "shoe" on for about a week, then straighten the toes a little more on the next tape application. You might be surprised at the results...

Here's how it's done:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...s-with-tape-picture-tutorial-and-video.75247/

 

[FatChicksDigMe]

She seems alittle late for treatment, but the treatment may help to lessen the crookedness.

Here's late stage crooked toes.View attachment 2792977I didn't catch it in time with this boy.

I will definitely try my best. Thank you again my friend! He is so handsome, what breed is he?

 

[FatChicksDigMe]

I'd try, even at 5 weeks, to straighten those toes out using tape. She'll be better off for it later in life, which can be a long time. You'll likely have to do a little at a time since the bones are harder at 5 weeks than 1 week. The chick would have to keep each "shoe" on for about a week, then straighten the toes a little more on the next tape application. You might be surprised at the results...

Here's how it's done:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...s-with-tape-picture-tutorial-and-video.75247/

Thank you SO much. Should I separate her from the flock when I do this? I dont want to unnecessarily destroy the dynamics, but want to help her heal

 

[MysteryChicken]

I will definitely try my best. Thank you again my friend! He is so handsome, what breed is he?

You're welcome.

He's a Black Sumatra. He was killed by another Sumatra Cockerel awhile back.

 

[FatChicksDigMe]

You're welcome.

He's a Black Sumatra. He was killed by another Sumatra Cockerel awhile back.View attachment 2792989

Wow! So beautiful. That's unfortunate though! Maybe his toes didn't help him defend himself in the end poor guy

 

[MysteryChicken]

Wow! So beautiful. That's unfortunate though! Maybe his toes didn't help him defend himself in the end poor guy

I don't think his toes had anything to do with it. He's more of a lover, then a fighter.

This is the Butthead who did it.

 

[FatChicksDigMe]

I don't think his toes had anything to do with it. He's more of a lover, then a fighter.

This is the Butthead who did it.View attachment 2792994

Aww that's bittersweet! Yeah the gangster dude is stunning though! That tail is goals

 

[MysteryChicken]

Aww that's bittersweet! Yeah the gangster dude is stunning though! That tail is goals

He's a handsome devil isn't he.

His name is Demon for a specific reason.

 

[Swbertrand1]

Thank you SO much. Should I separate her from the flock when I do this? I dont want to unnecessarily destroy the dynamics, but want to help her heal

Clearly, it's best to do this early for a number of reasons, but if you're going to try it, leave her with her hatch-mates and observe them to be sure she's not getting singled out. If she is, you might separate her for a few hours per day, like when the the others are most active because she will not be able to keep up right away. Why?

Unless you use a gauze-type tape (that sticky stuff hospitals use), she's going to have VERY slick feet, something she's not used to, so she's going to need to get used to it and will likely do so by slowing down. This could make her a target.

If you use a two-sided tape for the lower portion of each "shoe", that might give her the traction close to what she's used to. ShoeGoo comes to mind too - dries rubbery and would provide good traction too.

Other concerns, for me anyway, would be injuries from having the slippery surfaces on her feet, and she might try to take the tape off successfully. I'd still give it a try; you might teach us all something about curled chick toes in the end...

 

[FatChicksDigMe]

Clearly, it's best to do this early for a number of reasons, but if you're going to try it, leave her with her hatch-mates and observe them to be sure she's not getting singled out. If she is, you might separate her for a few hours per day, like when the the others are most active because she will not be able to keep up right away. Why?

Unless you use a gauze-type tape (that sticky stuff hospitals use), she's going to have VERY slick feet, something she's not used to, so she's going to need to get used to it and will likely do so by slowing down. This could make her a target.

If you use a two-sided tape for the lower portion of each "shoe", that might give her the traction close to what she's used to. ShoeGoo comes to mind too - dries rubbery and would provide good traction too.

Other concerns, for me anyway, would be injuries from having the slippery surfaces on her feet, and she might try to take the tape off successfully. I'd still give it a try; you might teach us all something about curled chick toes in the end...

That's very wise! I will definitely keep this in mind while caring for her! I really appreciate it