Help! Weird growth, extra nail, or splinter on chick foot.

[RandomChickPets]

The baby chick (1 week old) is not walking very much and is pecking at this spot. Could it be a splinter? Is it an extra toe nail perhaps? I love this bird and would appreciate any advice. Should I quarantine her until I can get her to a vet? When she is alone, she chirps allot.

 

[Cknldy]

What type of chick is it? Is the thing in question attached or does it look like it is pushed under the skin? What type of bedding was used- could give an idea if something that wasn't supposed to be in the bedding poked the foot.

 

[froggiesheins]

Maybe get a magnifing glass to take a really close look at that. The picture makes it very hard to see, but I am leaning towards a splinter too.
If you touch it, does the chick flinch?
If it is indeed a splinter and you decide to remove it, have some antibiotic creme to put in the hole.....hope this helps..

 

[Cknldy]

I've read in a magazine that people can remove rooster spurs by gripping with needlenose pliers and twisting with a slight tug, not hurting roo. I believe it's a splinter just in case it isn't then the spur info should make u feel better about what I'd do- disinfect it, grab some tweezers and pull it out. Put antibiotic salve on it for a few days and give chick a boost with save-a-chic in the water for the stress. Whatever it is it is obviously causing pain. If you didn't notice it until now, probably splinter. Hope this helps.

 

[froggiesheins]

The chick is WAAAY too young to have a spur. And the spur would be farther up on the leg.
Now I am thinking about another possibility...a blood feather maybe???? The OP hasn't responded yet, I hope they do.....lol

 

[Cknldy]

Didn't insinuate that it was a spur in the pic, just that if it is something like an extra toe (or a blood feather-great idea by the way) then according to the article I read it supposedly doesn't hurt the roo (or chick in this case) to pull it in the same manner. Tell us what u decided to do Randomchickpets

 

[RandomChickPets]

I plucked the object out yesterday. It was soft and hallow. I don't believe it is a birth defect anymore or splinter. I think it may have been an ingrown feather. The type of chicken has feathers on her feet. It did not bleed, but she is still nursing her foot and is a bit gimpy. I hope she makes a full recovery.

 

[MissKat]

I swear by Veterycin Gel Spray. Fixes everything

 

[Cknldy]

If u don't have the spray handy grab some regular old people antibiotic from your med cabinet and dab a bit on it. Since it didn't bleed and it was something hollow I agree it was probably a feather. Hope your chickie feels better!

 

[Poultry Couture]

Good luck!