HELP PLEASE! Fused feet in a baby chick?

[barnett1957]

We're brand new at this. We got our baby chicks Saturday and didn't notice this chick's feet for a couple of days. It seems that it's feet are fused. These chicks are Ameraucana. Have you ever heard of such a thing? What do we need to do? What causes this? Now that it is growing it is starting to have some trouble getting around. Any advice will be much appreciated!

 

[Sumatra503]

Would it be possible to just cut the skin that joins the toes together? That way it'd be two toes again.

It may als just learn to live with it and walk better eventually.

 

[The Breaker]

I say just cut the skin.but I may not know what I'm talking about

 

[Sumatra503]

I say just cut the skin.but I may not know what I'm talking about

I had a chick like that and cut the skin with a dull pair of scissors. It healed up okay, but the younger the better so that it heals well.

I used a dull pair to help with the bleeding.

 

[TheJadeChicken]

I had a chick like that and cut the skin with a dull pair of scissors. It healed up okay, but the younger the better so that it heals well.

I used a dull pair to help with the bleeding.

Just a curious question, wouldn't a dull pair make it worse? I know on a dull knife used in the kitchen will saw more than cut.

You can Corn Starch can help with bleeding, like some use for dogs nails. To make the Kwik stop bleeding.

 

[Albanydog]

Having preformed bumble foot surgery a couple times I can tell you the feet do not bleed much. Quick and gently so as not to cut the toe off, and with a sharp blade is how i would go. Wrap the toes separately to keep them clean and apart. Take photos, share an update! Good luck!

 

[Sumatra503]

I had a chick like that and cut the skin with a dull pair of scissors. It healed up okay, but the younger the better so that it heals well.

I used a dull pair to help with the bleeding.

Just a curious question, wouldn't a dull pair make it worse? I know on a dull knife used in the kitchen will saw more than cut.

You can Corn Starch can help with bleeding, like some use for dogs nails. To make the Kwik stop bleeding.
A dull blade makes a jagged edged cut that is easier for the body to repare. It is my experience that a dull cut bleeds less and will heal faster that a cut made with a very sharp blade.

Just my experience and I have done quite a few things of this nature with my rescue chickens.

 

[barnett1957]

Yikes! Okay- we're willing to do what it takes to try to save the chick- he's about a week old now. But- yikes! I'm nervous!

 

[Sumatra503]

Yikes! Okay- we're willing to do what it takes to try to save the chick- he's about a week old now. But- yikes! I'm nervous!

I'm sure it will be just fine. Make the cuts quickly and smoothly and have someone else hold the chick for you. It will be best to use a set of kitchen shears or small scissors as opposed to a knife.

Be sure to sanitize everything before and after use and to wrap the chick's feet.

 

[barnett1957]

Operation chicken feet is going to take place Saturday morning. Please let us know if you have added tips or advice we'd appreciate them! Thanks guys!