Does this chick have splayed legs?

[ChickNanny13]

I'm disappointed, Coal's not doing as well as on Thurs Yesterday noticed her (think) right leg splaying out more and toes are curling inward again. Wasn't able to do any "therapy" yesterday and today, it's been hectic as my Mom's not well either. Didn't put her with the brood last night, spent it in it's box in the house and will continue until better. After reading more last night, I put a piece of carpet over the potty pad for more traction which seems to help.

Still getting vitamins/electrolytes in it's water, 3 drops of Poly ViSol vitamins a day, boiled egg yolk (don't like scrambled) & chick feed. I put the food on a napkin at the edge of the duster, she reaches out to eat & has walked hobbled to the water to drink (elevated in a small lid) and hasn't knocked it over (yet). Today I noticed she prefers to stay under the duster & goes into the opposite side of the box to poo She potty trained on her own

Today she seemed to want to be left alone, didn't want to be held but she's eating and drinking, hanging in there. Hubby's surprised at how quiet she is in the house, the first time we attempted keeping her in she made such a ruckus I put her out with the brood under the MHP after dark. I still think it's 'curly toe paralysis' just was hoping for more improvement but then it's my fault for not doing therapy which will be done tomorrow for sure. She hasn't given up so I won't although it's pretty depressing to not see anymore improvements.

I read she can be on the Poly ViSol for 5 days, which will be tomorrow, to I continue or stop? Anything more I can be trying?

 

[Eggcessive]

There is no time limit on vitamins. However she needs the riboflavin mainly, so I would use the poultry vitamins in her water only, or the baby vitamins, but not both. Vitamin A and D can be overdosed, so just use one source. Riboflavin and the other B vitamins are water soluble, and excess amounts are excreted in the waste. Plain yogurt is rich in riboflavin. Sorry that she is not as good as earlier, but hopefully she will get better. Can you place another chick in with her for company. Chicks who grow up alone don't seem to ever bond that well with others, and she may eat and do better. I'm not an expert on leg problems, but that may help.

 

[aart]

If a chick does not respond to a properly applied vitamin addition within a few days,
it could be more than just a vitamin deficiency.

Could be a nutrition uptake malfunction.
Could be a physical deformity that is not readily apparent beyond the leg problem.

I'd suggest you prepare to euthanize if vast improvement is not seen within a couple weeks.
I've had chicks hatch with funky legs and other mild skeletal deformities,
they rarely thrive and can suffer needlessly long term.
Hardest learning curve in keeping chickens, and especially hatching,
is knowing when and how to put a bird out of it's misery.
Sorry to be a 'debby downer', just being honest.

 

[ChickNanny13]

There is no time limit on vitamins. However she needs the riboflavin mainly, so I would use the poultry vitamins in her water only, or the baby vitamins, but not both. Vitamin A and D can be overdosed, so just use one source. Riboflavin and the other B vitamins are water soluble, and excess amounts are excreted in the waste. Plain yogurt is rich in riboflavin. Sorry that she is not as good as earlier, but hopefully she will get better. Can you place another chick in with her for company. Chicks who grow up alone don't seem to ever bond that well with others, and she may eat and do better. I'm not an expert on leg problems, but that may help.

She comes from a brood of 39 Serama & Silkie whose owner picked out the tiniest of eggs to incubate. I raise her chicks, then they go back to her 6 - 8wks. I've tried several combinations with her but the others will not settle down which freaks her out. So I'm thinking she'll be a "disabled pet" if anything She eats & drinks on her own, taken to stay more under the duster than in front of the mirror....So discouraged, if she were mine I'd follow aart's advice, going to give her a bit more time then put the option to the owner (process of moving into their new home).

If a chick does not respond to a properly applied vitamin addition within a few days,
it could be more than just a vitamin deficiency.

Could be a nutrition uptake malfunction.
Could be a physical deformity that is not readily apparent beyond the leg problem.

I'd suggest you prepare to euthanize if vast improvement is not seen within a couple weeks.
I've had chicks hatch with funky legs and other mild skeletal deformities,
they rarely thrive and can suffer needlessly long term.
Hardest learning curve in keeping chickens, and especially hatching,
is knowing when and how to put a bird out of it's misery.
Sorry to be a 'debby downer', just being honest.

I'm really thinking it's more than vitamin, my therapy is having it straddled in my hand/finger (sling) resting it's legs, gently massaging and allowing her to put some pressure. Today I noticed she barely puts pressure on the problem right leg, in the past she did. Very discouraged, I've thought of culling her and if in another week or two there's no progress, I will speak to the owner about doing so. The owner has talked about finding it a home as a "disabled" pet No quality life for the chick. I've raised her hatchlings in the past but very disappointed in her 'inattention' to this matter.


Thank you both for your help, wishing you and your families a very Merry Christmas

 

[ChickNanny13]

This chick has been a roller coaster in progress....On Monday it was walking around & trying to jump to the top of the duster, the right leg was stronger with resistance when putting pressure. Tuesday it's quiet, the toes on the left leg is curled, so I taped them up. Again tried putting another chick or two with her, she definitely did not like company. Today, she's walked (wobbly) around some, I have no idea what I'm dealing.

Still can't bring myself to cull her, she seems like she's getting better and will make a nice pet. Should I continue with the Poly ViSol drops? She loves boiled egg yolk, not so much scrambled eggs (my hen's don't either preferring boiled), will pick up some plain yogurt today. Should I mix up some Sav A Chick Probiotic?

Checked my notes, it's been "only" a week (seems like longer), can CTP be cured? How long should I continue with vitamins? When will I know this is the "best it gets"?

Wishing everyone out there a Happy New Year!

 

[ChickNanny13]

UPDATE: CC (crippled chick) is doing so much better. It's been a real roller coaster ride, a few times thought of culling her but couldn't bring myself to doing it. Is Curly Toed Paralysis curable?

Still on 3 drops of PolyVisol and some boiled egg yolk mixed in her crumbs, retaped her toes. Keeping her under light cause it's been chilly although she's in the house, no heating here in Hawaii. She recently started standing to eat and today she's very alert, 'walking' about her bin and chirping quietly. Feeling really positive that maybe we've reached a turning point.

The lady who owns the Micros (and this chick) will be picking them up next weekend, I'm thinking maybe I should keep her here to work with a few more weeks. Not sure if there's more progress to be made but it's worth a try, I'm sure the Owner would be ok with it.

 

[Eggcessive]

Sorry to hear that she has not made more progress with the vitamins. Riboflavin is also found in plain yogurt--only a small amount is needed, and will add probiotics to her diet. A chicken sling or chair may also benefit her to get her upright with her toes just touching the floor.

Here are some pics of chick chairs and slings that people have made.

 

[ChickNanny13]

MIRACLES HAPPEN

Decided to take CC outside for some sun this afternoon while I cleaned her bin. She had somehow removed her tape from her foot but then the SURPRISE....Darn I can't get the video to show up, will keep trying but CC's walking! She was up & following me & my dog around, wobbly but walking! Spent more time in the patio instead of on the grass but she was pecking around and walking! I'm just hoping it's a permanent improvement and she doesn't slip backwards as she has in the past. Decided not to retape her toes, will wait & see AND will try get that video for you all to see & marvel at....I'm so excited and HAPPY!


Eggcessive, you were on the right path with the vitamins & think it was Wyorp Rock that said to tape....
So many have been helpful, thank you all!

 

[ChickNanny13]

Ok just learned I can't upload a video like I would photos

Sorry can't share my video

 

[Eggcessive]

Okay, well that is very good news that she is walking. Videos can be posted on YouTube with a link here. Good luck with her.