Curled feet

[atomic]

I had two barred rock chicks hatch yesterday, they are alert and cheeping but not walking around much. One has curled feet, the others are more straight but doesn’t stand up all the way. Should I be concerned and is there anything I can do to help?

 

[CalgaryFarmer]

You have to straighten the toes. I use a bandaid. Cut off one side with the adhesive. Place the adhesive side up and place the chicks foot on it with the toes straight and spread. Cut off the other side and place on top of the foot/toes, adhesive side down. Push the bandaids together so the stick together. You can then trim the bandaid with scissors. You have to leave lots of room so you do not cut the toes.

Mine took about 12 hours to be fixed. When removing the bandaid, start from the back of the foot and pull forward gently.

There are probably lots of posts on the site with pictures.

 

[atomic]

Thank you so much! I’ll go ahead and try that.

 

[CalgaryFarmer]

I was surprised how well and quickly it worked. The sooner you do it the better.

 

[atomic]

It was difficult but I did the best I could, they didn’t straighten easily and I didn’t want to hurt him so I got them mostly straight and I’ll revisit a redo tomorrow. The other chick can unfurl its feet but it hasn’t been walking around much at all which worries me.

 

[CalgaryFarmer]

Sound like you did a good job. Redo in 12 hours if necessary.

Not sure about the other one. Can you describe the problem.

 

[atomic]

Its legs just seem weak. Is there something I should be giving to the babies to boost their strength?

 

[CalgaryFarmer]

I don’t know.

 

[atomic]

I am happy to report that today both babies look healthier. They are noisy, eating and drinking, and moving around more. I went to the dollar tree and got masking tape instead of band aids, the band aid was so sticky that it made it difficult for me to position the foot correctly. I did a much better job this time. Fingers crossed that I wasn’t too late, they hatched two days ago.

 

[CalgaryFarmer]

I am glad to hear the good news.

Thanks for the suggestion on masking tape. Makes sense.

Shouldn’t be too late.