Have I splinted this right? - 2wk old chick with dislocation

[Jynestia]

Hey everyone. Of my 3 chicks left, when I woke up this morning one appeared to have a broken leg. On closer inspection it was walking on it and moving it fine, but it collapsed and twisted the joint where scales meet feathers inward and the foot outward.

It's been getting about alright, but looked a little swollen and red so I decided to splint it so the chick didn't do any more damage.

I am not sure even how it happened, they are in a 10 gallon aquarium right now. (temporary until they are bigger. Then I will build something else to contain them until they can join the flock) There is no where to get the kind of leverage or impact to cause such an injury. The kids did drop one by mistake on Saturday, but it didn't show any symptoms until today.

I read some of the threads about splayed legs and dislocations enough to get an idea for a splint to help the little guy.

I cut a piece of straw the length of its leg, then split it long ways to get it on. I cut a slit at the knees to bend it slightly. I cut vet wrap into thin chick sized strips and used those to hold it in place.

The leg was straight and supported, but still turned out at the hip.

I used a Q-tip stem from the swollen joint to the same joint on the opposite leg to keep it from going outward and rotating.

The poor thing is none too pleased with me, and can't walk obviously. I propped it upright in a washrag for support and I'm hoping it sleeps and relaxes. I will have to hand feed it and give it water while I wait to see if it can heal.

I might have to cull the little guy if he's in too much pain and won't heal.

Currently he has been convinced to rest in his washrag nest.

I'll post the splint picture in the next post, it's on my phone and I'm on my laptop now.

 

[Jynestia]

 

[Jynestia]

I had to redo it. It's wrapped against its body instead now.

It has adjusted well and is eating and drinking fine. It's figured out hobbling along on one foot, but I've still got it isolated.

The joint isn't as swollen anymore, but the leg still turns the wrong way. I kinda made it like an arm sling around its body and under its wings to pulls it back the right direction instead of including the other leg.

It's pretty content now and has bonded with me because of all the extra care ^_^ I've bundled it up and have been carrying it around when it's distressed so it doesn't struggle and get a new injury.

I think the little guy will be ok

 

[Jynestia]

The second wrap worked like a charm! I wrapped it's leg up against its body in such a way that it tugged slightly toward the other leg and kept it immobilized until it shook off its wrap last night.

When I found it its leg was much straighter and no longer bowing in as much. It was limping, but since I didn't have time to wrap it again before work I gave it the day to try it's leg out. Came back this evening and no more limp! I couldn't tell which chick was the injured one without inspecting for a few minutes until I noticed the slight turning out of its foot and remaining joint swelling.

I'm surprised it healed! We were making plans on what we'd do with a disabled chicken. (Roo would get eaten, but a hen doesn't need twould legs to lay an egg!) While in the wrap it got really good at hopping on one foot and using its wings to balance.

Chickens really are amazing ^_^

 

[Happy Chooks]

I'm glad you were able to fix it! Nice job!