Hi everyobody

[Daniel dean]

Hi everybody,ive had chickens for about a year with no problems,but recently I have hatched a few in an incubator,the 1st 2 buff Orpington/light sussex cross were fine,but I have hatched a few cream legbar,purely so I could tell the sex as soon as they were born.I have a little cockerel and a little hen,the problem is with the hen chick,i thought it had spraddle leg,so I hobbled the legs for a week,but unfortunately when the hobble was removed,it still had one leg sticking out to the side.Is it possible to leave a hobble on a chicken as it grows,as it seems to get to where it wants as long as the hobble is left on,or is this a cruel thing to do,i just wanted other opinions,apart from the leg issue it seems to be developing IE feathering etc fine.Any opinions or advice would be great,i did not want to cull a chicken when it could live fairly happily.
dan.......................

 

[biophiliac]

I'm not certain, but I believe you can continue to use the hobble for a longer time, more than a week. I would. Someone will likely correct me if not. You did the right thing. Don't know if some vitamins might help? Hope the bird improves for you.

 

[chickisoup]

I'm not certain, but I believe you can continue to use the hobble for a longer time, more than a week. I would. Someone will likely correct me if not. You did the right thing. Don't know if some vitamins might help? Hope the bird improves for you.

You can, and should, leave it on longer just be sure to adjust as it grows. The added vitamins (maybe Nutridrench) would be a good idea as well. Sounds like it is possible the poor baby has a hip issue. I would go check in the illness and injury forum for more ideas.

Welcome to BYC! Glad you decided to pull up a roost and join our flock!!!

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi and welcome to BYC. I'd suggest posting your question in the ER forum -
http://www.backyardchickens.com/f/10/emergencies-diseases-injuries-and-cures

Best wishes
CT

 

[Yorkshire Coop]

Hi Daniel

Glad you could join us here! Sorry to hear about the issues you are having but you have some advice above.

Good luck and enjoy your time here on BYC

 

[drumstick diva]

without seeing the bird, I would think the problem is in the hip and not leg. So hobbling wouldn't help.

If you could get some good photos showing the problem - please post them at
"emergencies, diseases, injuries, cures," thread. Maybe they could tell.

 

[Daniel dean]

Hi thanks for the replies they are most helpful,im thinking the hip also,but without the hobble,she cant even stand upright,im thinking long term really,i think the only way to know,is to let her keep going and see how she copes,when shes mixed with more chickens,then the problems may start.
regards dan.......