Help please! Leg issues

[ukguy]

Hi All,

First time parent here....

Incubated three eggs at home given to me by a friend, only one was fertile so currently have a lonely little fella that hatched yesterday! We are getting him/her some same age friends at the weekend.

I'm really worried about his legs/feet. He is moving about (albeit wobbly). Ive searched the internet but not seen a picture showing exactly the same thing. Is it okay? If not, anything I can do?

He does seem more spread out in this photo, and normally stands up straighter. Its the feet I am more worried about. Its only 16 hours old - should I just wait a while?

 

[Lauren Kim]

Wobbly legs are normal at birth. They usually even fall asleep when they’re standing, too!

 

[ukguy]

thanks! Do the feet look okay though? Or am I just panicking?

I am NEVER NEVER EVER EVER hatching chicks again, the stress has almost killed me

 

[Mrs. Light Sussex]

After 24 hours or so they should straighten out. That is quite normal for the beginning, after all they were stuck in that position in the egg for quite awhile.
The chick has not yet fluffed-up. Give it time.

Just a word of caution, if you are not prepared to lose any, don't raise any! Nobody wants it to happen but it is inevitable, everybody suffers losses.

 

[ukguy]

Thanks a million - you really have put my mind at rest. You are now on my Christmas card list for life!

 

[HenniesInMyHeart]

Oh sweetheart! First of all, do NOT panic! You're a good chickie parent. I can tell because you came here to post right away. Do you have a small furry plush toy? Providing it for the baby to cuddle with will help until you have some more babies for him/her. As for the legs, don't worry! It's fixable! I just dealt with this in one of my chickies! You need to make some 'bandaid shoes.' Carefully spread out the toes on one foot into the normal position, stick them on the sticky side of a band-aid, then fold the band-aid over the top and stick the other side to the top of the foot, aligned with the bottom. Then, trim the excess so the baby can walk. The result should look like duck feet. This will help splint the chickie's feet. In a few days, your little one will be good as new!
Here is a video showing what I am talking about:

 

[ukguy]

Just a quick note to say thanks for everyones help. It took a while with sticky plasters but I'm pleased to say we now have a very happy chick that can out-run me!

Here he/she is. Anybody know what breed she may be, and any hints on sexing??!!??

Oh, and yes, that is it in our living room.