Deformed Wing on Chick

[sepiolida]

The washcloth seems like a good idea... but watch out that you don't make her too cold by leaving her wet. If you decide to cull, there is a lot of good information on this site about methods and when it's recommended. Try this thread: https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=286203&p=1
I hope it doesn't come to that though.

BTW, chicks have feathers (down) not fur.

 

[silkiechicken]

The humane society will probably gas it or give it an injection... the most humane way in my opinion is cervical dislocation (a thing one should do after gassing an animal as per protocol anyways). With a chick under a few weeks old, just a sharp pair of scissors.

If it's up running eating and drinking, it can have a chance if you are willing to take care of it. Give it a week and you'll know if it will live. Often when there are limb patterning defects, organ patterning defects are often also present. Whether or not those will effect it's health, you can't tell.

 

[CoyoteMagic]

Meet "Tessie the Headless Chicken"

Tessie was squashed by nest mates when rolling in the litter in the bottom of the brooder. 2 others that did the same thing didn't survive. Her neck was so crooked that she couldn't even lift it to shoulder level.

Tessie was a fighter. She learned to walk backwards because it was easier. She wouldn't take anything from anyone. Fussed at my husband and bowled him over trying to get her share of treats. She and my top hen, Broomhilda were best buds. I tried to keep her in the run and coop area by making my pophole up a ramp 3ft high. Didn't work. She ran right up it and out into the yard with everybodyelse.

Unfortunately, one day when I wasn't at home a neighbors dog got her and 2 other chickens.

People are going to tell you to cull her. I think everyone, everything, deserves a chance.

 

[Whirlwind316]

I can try the warm washcloth tomorrow,
I would not want to leave her wet, What about if i covered a hair dryer (on warm) and just let light warm air hit the area after the washcloth, Would that safely dry her Feathers (Thanks for that correction).

I was concerned about the organs also, after reading about what deficiency would cause certain abnormalities during growth. I guess I will just keep a eye on her.

The Children in the class named her "Nuggets" btw haha..

Night!
Kevin

 

[kathyinmo]

It is a fact of life, if you raise chickens.

I would cull it. As mentioned, a good pair of sharp shears (scissors) is the quickest way. It is alot of work to care for a crippled chicken.

 

[Whirlwind316]

Oh Just in case These pics would help anyone give me any hints/tips/advice on "Nuggets"

 

[PoultryPedia]

Ohhh--What a little teeny tiny sweetheart!

You could blow-dry as you said, or gently rub dry with another dry washcloth while holding a little bit closer than usual to heat lamp.

In pic, it looks like there are one or two holes beside the nub--Is that right?

If it further growing doesn't bring additional problems, I think the chick could quite possibly have an enjoyable life.

When it gets older, I'd recommend seeing if you could find an owner for it who keeps only a few pet chickens and in a pretty protected environment. You could put an ad on craigslist.org. I wish I could have it...

If it would be at all possible, it would be ideal to give it 1 or 2 chick buddies (preferably small, non-aggressive ones. If the first new buddy is hard on the chick, wait a couple days before adding the second.) to grow up with. That way it will enjoy its growing up time more & not get so lonely. Plus its buddies can be introduced along with the chick in a new home, helping it be less picked on because it has allies--and because the new-kid picking-on

will be spread out among three new chickens instead of just one.

 

[PoultryPedia]

CoyoteMagic--Thanks for sharing Tessie's inspiring story!

 

[77horses]

Quote:
In my opinion, definitely give it a chance. If you say she/he is doing fine with eating and drinking on its own and doesn't look to be suffering, don't cull it. In the pic, she looks like a normal healthy chick to me, except for her wing. Right now it may look pretty bad, but it will probably easily heal over and feathers will cover it up.


I've seen many stories about animals, such as cats and dogs, that were born missing a limb or two or maybe even all. But with a lot of care from their devoted owners, they survived and adapted to living with their deformities. But the thing with a dog or cat, they would cost more to take care of and it would be much harder to do. But with a small baby chicken, it will be much easier to care for, especially if it's already eating and drinking on its own and can walk and stand and everything similar to what a normal chick does.
So, if you really think about it, the odds of being able to care for her and her survival are pretty high I think.

Good luck to you and your little chick-she's adorable, no matter if she is missing a wing or not.

 

[Whirlwind316]

Sad day for "Nuggets". She has just passed away within a half hour. She never at any time seemed to be in distress and was eating, drinking, chirping, and moving good. Must have been too many things wrong.

Thank you all for your support and opinions.

Kevin