Deformed Wing on Chick

[Whirlwind316]

Hello all,

My Classroom has hatched a bunch of Chicks, We also have a farm who is going to be taking all of them when they are ready, But I have a problem with one, She has hatched this morning, with only 1 wing, and missing many patches of Fur all over. Despite constant heat from the lamp she always seems to shiver. Despite these problems, She is eating, and drinking, Very vocal, and moving as well as she can with missing a wing (she is always off balance). Does is sound like she may be distressed? I would love to believe that she has a chance at surviving, And I have not talked with the farmer, But do you think (or do farmers generally) take deformed chicks? Any advice, or help anyone can offer would be great.

Thank you all,
kevin

 

[Cindiloohoo]

First off

If the chick is eating and drinking well she shuld adjust to her physical deformities. Most are vocal at that age. I don't know about the farmer taking her though. I would contact him ahead of time to let him know what the issues are and see what he thinks. I wouldn't let it be a suprise for sure. I think she will likely be fine when her fluff starts growing out IF it does. I'd give it time. I've seen blind chickens, one winged chickens, and various other deformities...I just see them as unique. They all seem to overcome the weakness with time they adapt.

 

[Mahonri]

First off, WELCOME TO BYC.

So glad you found us.

All you can do is try and keep it fed and comfortable. I've heard of chicks born without either wing and chicks without any feathers, so it may survive.

Good luck.... if it's alive and kicking, the farmer will take it.

 

[Apprentice_egger]

Sorry to be the harsh voice of a cruel existance, but this bird should be culled. If it seems to be suffering you should humanely kill the bird to save it living a long suffering life. If an older bird gets hurt and can still be productive it's worth saving, but the complications that may follow a birth defect are probably something that will keep the bird from ever being productive.

 

[sepiolida]

In this position I would really think about the message it sends to the students, and it's a tough one. If you cull it without giving it a chance I don't think that's a positive message at all... so not recommended. You should arrange something with the farmer where he agrees to take it and give it a good life as far as the kids are concerned. If the farmer decides to cull it or eat it at that point it's out of sight out of mind : )

Good luck!

 

[silkiechicken]

If you cull or not should depend on what you think the chicks chances are. If it is suffering, or looks like it is failing to thrive, culling may be the most humane thing and would teach the students about life and the responsibility that comes with raising animals... knowing when to let them go for their sake and not your own feelings.

 

[Whirlwind316]

I was afraid of the bird dying in the classroom and being tramatic to the 4th graders, So I removed this bird from the project and now have it set up in my house.

I do not think it seems to be suffering, But I was going to ask, Where the wing is missing, it has alot of white mass there. It almost looks as if it is part of the shell (?) but i am afraid to go poking around in that area. Should i just let that be or attempt to clean in some way?

Thank you for all your help and opinions

Kevin

 

[PoultryPedia]

Re. shivering--You may already have the brooder set up this way but if not, here is a suggestion:

Put the heat lamp at one end of the brooder rather than in the middle & lower it enough that that end of the brooder is slightly warmer than is usually comfortable for the chicks. Then the patchy-feathered chick can huddle a little extra close to warmth when it needs it, but all chicks can have areas where they can move to the other end of the brooder where they're further away from the lamp when they feel too warm.

Decisions like the one you have to make involve serious thought. I'd seek spiritual direction on it, too.
Here's sending my best wishes.

 

[Whirlwind316]

Oh and right now, like i said, She does not seem to be suffering, Just seems to be chilly , (maybe lack of fur) and she has a little trouble walking, (off balance from wing) But i believe she may work that out eventually (?). But if she did ever take a turn for the worse, What is the most humane way to put her down?

I would probably take her to a humane society I think, they do them humainly there right?

Only If it came down to this of course..

 

[PoultryPedia]

Quote:
That's good you're keeping close look-out to best help.
If shell is stuck there while the chick's body is developing, growth could possibly get stunted or deformed trying to work around that. I would dip the end of a washcloth in very warm water repeatedly & hold it on that area to try & soak off any shell. Waterless antibacterial hand cleaner can also help loosen & clean off things sometimes, too.