Curled toes?

[quaileypotato]

My baby quail has curled toes... I've read about the tape method but what tape should I use? I'm afraid I'll hurt the chick's feet.

 

[KikiLeigh02]

Masking tape works the best. This thread is really helpful:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/how-to-fix-curled-toes-in-chicks.1250947/#post-20068689

 

[Farm life101]

Pictures? Can the quil walk? I have a hen with curled toes and she still thrives

 

[coach723]

In addition to chick shoes, supplementing with vitamins may help. Riboflavin(B2) deficiency can cause curled toes. If you can't find a good poultry vitamin then a human B complex tablet ground up and mixed in some food can be given.

 

[quaileypotato]

Thank you! Yes, the quail can still walk but wobbles a lot.

 

[quaileypotato]

It was born with the curled toes... Here is a picture.

 

[coach723]

This is quoted from this site: https://www.tillysnest.com/2014/03/vitamin-deficiencies-in-backyard-chicks-html/
"Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)
Riboflavin deficiencies can first appear during day 10 in the incubating egg. Chicks born with riboflavin deficiencies can be seen with curled toes and laying down with their legs extended. They can be lethargic and seen walking around on their hocks using their wings as walking aids."

 

[le_bwah]

Some chicks straighten out on their own, but it wouldn't hurt to give them a hand. It's important to get a boot on the chick quickly, before everything hardens into place. Babies of all sorts are typically "bendy" at birth, so there's a window where you can manipulate the toes without hurting them. After that window, you won't be able to straighten them out without causing pain/injuring them.

 

[Eggcessive]

I would follow the advice for giving B vitamins including riboflavin and tape the toes flat with a shoe made from tape. Riboflavin deficiency needs to be treated as soon as possible for treatment to be successful. Vitamin B complex tablets (regular or super) 1/4-1/2 tablet crushed onto a small amount of egg or wet feed are an inexpensive treatment. They are in the vitamin section of your Walmart or drug store.

 

[quaileypotato]

Thank you for your replies, everyone! I feel like the quail's feet are so small though. I am very confused how I should go about putting on these shoes, and I have tried to put on the tape shoes but he keeps squirming. Will I squish his feet? His are so much tinier and softer than a chicken's.