Deformed chick at hatch in NurtureR.360

[BigBabyschick]

Hi all, I’m new to raising chickens and just hatched some eggs. The first 4 hatched a day early and were/are fine. The 5th one is deformed. And I had to remove her as the other 4 were trying to eat her. She can’t walk or even get off her belly. The foot seems fused to her leg and it appears to have only 2 toes. She’s eating and drinking thus far but I’m wondering if I’ll have to cull her ? Any and all suggestions are appreciated!

 

[LTAY1946]

Hello from Lower AL and Welcome to BYC!
I'm so sorry but I don't see how you can help but cull it to save a lot of pain and suffering. I do hope some one will have a way to save it.

 

[LTAY1946]

If that lower part of the leg is only a dry stick I would try to loosen it with some coconut oil.

 

[Allsfairinloveandbugs]

Hi and welcome to BYC. I'm sorry about your little chick. I'm usually all for trying to save a bird's life IF they aren't in pain/suffering. But if you want to try to save this chick's life, it will likely always be special needs and require more care from you. There is nothing wrong with that; the chick will likely become very attached to you due to the extra care you give it, IF you have time and choose to do so. The way the lower leg is bent back onto the upper leg means it is essentially a one-legged chick. It should learn to adapt to that handicap, again, as long as it isn't in pain. I am going to ask a moderator to have this thread moved to the Emergencies forum. Medical experts there can give you a better idea as to what quality of life this chick can expect. Again, welcome to BYC; glad you joined.

 

[WoDia]

I’m so sorry about your little one. I’ve had success raising a few birds (an EE rooster and a Gambels hen) with a deformed leg to adulthood, but it’s really your decision as to whether you’re up for the extra time it’ll take raising a special needs bird. First, you need to determine whether the chick can get around adequately on its own to eat and drink. If you believe it has a good chance to thrive, even with a deformity, then I wish you all the best with your little one. Welcome to our helpful community!

 

[Allsfairinloveandbugs]

@azygous @Wyorp Rock , @coach723 , @Eggcessive , could y'all offer your opinion as to this chicks current condition and future quality of life?

 

[JacinLarkwell]

That's an interesting malformation. I've never seen one like that.

I think it would be okay. It just depends honestly on how it adapts and if those digits grow to be an issue. I have a one legged hen that lost a foot last winter and she's adapted pretty dang well so far.

But if you decide to let it grow and try, you have to be willing to put it down if it doesn't adapt or is struggling and in pain

 

[BigBabyschick]

Hi and welcome to BYC. I'm sorry about your little chick. I'm usually all for trying to save a bird's life IF they aren't in pain/suffering. But if you want to try to save this chick's life, it will likely always be special needs and require more care from you. There is nothing wrong with that; the chick will likely become very attached to you due to the extra care you give it, IF you have time and choose to do so. The way the lower leg is bent back onto the upper leg means it is essentially a one-legged chick. It should learn to adapt to that handicap, again, as long as it isn't in pain. I am going to ask a moderator to have this thread moved to the Emergencies forum. Medical experts there can give you a better idea as to what quality of life this chick can expect. Again, welcome to BYC; glad you joined.

Thank You so much! I feel

Hi and welcome to BYC. I'm sorry about your little chick. I'm usually all for trying to save a bird's life IF they aren't in pain/suffering. But if you want to try to save this chick's life, it will likely always be special needs and require more care from you. There is nothing wrong with that; the chick will likely become very attached to you due to the extra care you give it, IF you have time and choose to do so. The way the lower leg is bent back onto the upper leg means it is essentially a one-legged chick. It should learn to adapt to that handicap, again, as long as it isn't in pain. I am going to ask a moderator to have this thread moved to the Emergencies forum. Medical experts there can give you a better idea as to what quality of life this chick can expect. Again, welcome to BYC; glad you joined.

 

[BigBabyschick]

Thank You so much! I fell so bad thinking I did something wrong but the first 4 to hatch are completely fine so that gives me some comfort. I appreciate your support

 

[BigBabyschick]

If that lower part of the leg is only a dry stick I would try to loosen it with some coconut oil.

Thank You for the reply. It’s completely bent over and seems to be fused that way. Also, only 2 toes on that foot.