Do splayed legs ever fix by themself?

[Must Be Losing It]

I have a new chick who hatched last night w/ splayed legs. As he or she is less than a day old I am waiting to see if she gets her legs under her without installing the bandaid leg irons. Does this ever happen - they fix by themselves I mean?

Julie

 

[arlee453]

Make sure the chick is on paper towels or rubber shelf liner or something like that that will give good traction (avoid newpaper/shavings)

Sometimes they will get their legs under them in a day or two. If by day 3 the legs are still splayed, I'd splint for sure.

 

[SusanJoM]

So, Julie, how is your chick doing.

I have the same situation. Tiny bantam (with very fuzzy legs) that I had to help hatch yesterday, spent too much time on his butt with the remains of the membrane pulling his leg out to the side. This morning I noticed he's pretty well spraddled, but I don't know how soon to go with the splint.

Any ideas: should it be done asap or should I wait for a day or so and see if he gets a grip?

Thanks for any input here.

Susan

 

[Must Be Losing It]

I splinted my baby this morning. I'd rather do it sooner than later so she can adjust to the learning to walk w/ the splint right away and while she's not starving or fighting to reach her food.

I'll keep you posted. She's such a cutie, I hope she gets better. I'd suggest you start right away as well.

 

[SusanJoM]

Yeah, I think I'll do the same. S/he is tiny and fuzzy, and I don't have anyone to help me. Guess I'll try the bandaid first....or maybe some chunky yarn...

Good luck and do keep me/us posted.

Susan

 

[Rare Feathers Farm]

The band-aid worked very well for me....

http://www.poultryhelp.com/spraddle.html

Although, I've heard of using a make-up sponge & making holes in it & bracing the legs that way. I didn't have any at home but I had band-aids....

Oh & my chick was a cochin with fuzzy legs, too....

 

[SusanJoM]

That site is very helpful.
And thanks for letting me know you did it on your smaller fuzzier kid.
I'm gonna go and try it as soon as I get the dogs off the the groomer for the day.

Susan

 

[Must Be Losing It]

The make up sponge idea is interesting but how do you get their feet through the holes.

Oh, and I should also mention, my baby has fluffy legs/feet as well.

J

 

[Rare Feathers Farm]

Here is a link to the site with the make-up sponge.

http://www.parrotparrot.com/splay/

You'll need two people....one to hold the chick, the other to put the little feet through the holes in the sponge. You just have to be VERY gentle.....

 

[Must Be Losing It]

They make it look so easy - I have to tell you, its tough wrestling a peeping little fluffernutter into leg irons.