Fixing a bent ankle

[KsKingBee]

Everyone will eventually have to deal with a chick that had a problem hatching. When a chick takes too long struggling to get out of the shell the bones will begin to harden as chick takes in more oxygen. Being cramped, the feet and toes will be curled against the inside of the shell, once the chick is assisted to hatch, it may have problems with bent toes or even worse, an ankle that is severely bent to one side. Here is a pro-tip to help you fix that problem.
Using a wing tag, bend it into an 'L' shape and line it with athletic cloth tape. Flex the ankle to a normal walking position; the ankle will not bend to one side while it is flexed in the normal position. Fit the brace against the bottom of the foot and against the back of the leg. Tape the leg and the middle toe onto the brace and apply a shoe to the bottom and top of the foot with the toes in a normal position.
Be sure to not make the brace too heavy with tape as it can sometimes cause a blown hock. Normally, the chick can walk with a limp while the brace is on. After a day or two the brace can be taken off and the chick will be able to walk normally.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Thank you!

 

[LynnCircleFarm]

Everyone will eventually have to deal with a chick that had a problem hatching. When a chick takes too long struggling to get out of the shell the bones will begin to harden as chick takes in more oxygen. Being cramped, the feet and toes will be curled against the inside of the shell, once the chick is assisted to hatch, it may have problems with bent toes or even worse, an ankle that is severely bent to one side. Here is a pro-tip to help you fix that problem.
Using a wing tag, bend it into an 'L' shape and line it with athletic cloth tape. Flex the ankle to a normal walking position; the ankle will not bend to one side while it is flexed in the normal position. Fit the brace against the bottom of the foot and against the back of the leg. Tape the leg and the middle toe onto the brace and apply a shoe to the bottom and top of the foot with the toes in a normal position.
Be sure to not make the brace too heavy with tape as it can sometimes cause a blown hock. Normally, the chick can walk with a limp while the brace is on. After a day or two the brace can be taken off and the chick will be able to walk normally.View attachment 4179206View attachment 4179207View attachment 4179208View attachment 4179209View attachment 4179211View attachment 4179212View attachment 4179213View attachment 4179214

I’m thinking I might be hatching some peachicks that will need leg assistance potentially from how they’re hatching- you seem very knowledgeable from seeing your replies to many threads here, when would you assist a peachick that has pipped but not progressed as its beak is sticking fairly far out? It’s only been about 10 hours but I want to be ready if and when we hit the timeframe of needing to assist. Thanks for any advice you can share!

 

[KsKingBee]

When the beak is outside the shell and can not be retracted, it can not chip the shell. This is caused from too high of humidity and the chick didn't lose enough moisture and is crowded in the shell. It is very iffy being able to tell when it is too early but if you carefully chip a small bit of the shell being careful not to damage the membrane, you can see the color of the membrane and if there is still blood that has not been absorbed. If the membrane is turning gray it will be smooth sailing to help it zip out. If the membrane is still white be very cautious as breaking even one blood vessel can make it bleed out. I would wait at least 24 hours before trying to assist.

 

[LynnCircleFarm]

Thanks, I’ll check it tomorrow! Appreciate the input

 

[KsKingBee]

Thanks, I’ll check it tomorrow! Appreciate the input

The first thing to do tomorrow is to candle and circle the air cell with a pencil. There is a lining inside of the shell but the membrane will be against the chick, that is the one that will have the blood vessels.

 

[LynnCircleFarm]

The first thing to do tomorrow is to candle and circle the air cell with a pencil. There is a lining inside of the shell but the membrane will be against the chick, that is the one that will have the blood vessels.

What is the purpose of tracing the air sac after an external pip? Would I only chip away shell against the air sac?

 

[KsKingBee]

What is the purpose of tracing the air sac after an external pip? Would I only chip away shell against the air sac?

Having a reference is helpful and to keep you from accidentally tearing into the membrane where it is against the shell. The chick has to pip through the membrane but you can get a better idea of the condition of the membrane through the air cell without the danger of tearing a vessel.

 

[LynnCircleFarm]

Having a reference is helpful and to keep you from accidentally tearing into the membrane where it is against the shell. The chick has to pip through the membrane but you can get a better idea of the condition of the membrane through the air cell without the danger of tearing a vessel.

OK that’s what I suspected but thanks for confirming! If I assist I’ll do as little as possible, but instinct is telling me some will be needed- hoping I’m wrong and that there’s progress overnight

 

[Artistickatt]

OK that’s what I suspected but thanks for confirming! If I assist I’ll do as little as possible, but instinct is telling me some will be needed- hoping I’m wrong and that there’s progress overnight

How did it go? I lost one at that stage last month and I did something to late. I am hoping yours is ok.