How long should I be watching for spraddle leg?

[mausbytes]

First-timer here! We brought our new chicks home from the farm store last night, and a couple of them have gotten brave this morning and decided hopping up on top of their radiant heater was a good idea. The top of it is a more slippery plastic, so they've had trouble when they slide down and try to get back up, which makes me worry about spraddle leg. I've tried putting some paper towels on top to give them some traction, but those are sliding, too:

So, maybe two questions here: 1) how long should watching for spraddle leg be a concern here? Is there a time frame for when we'll be "out of the woods"? and 2) Should I move their heater in the meantime? I could push it slightly forward so they slide back down onto the floor, maybe. I could also tape the paper towels down, so they have a little bit of grip.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

You could put a piece of shelf liner on top of the heat plate if that model doesn't get hot on top, this will give them some grip.

Generally, Splay or Spraddle leg shows up at hatch, but its possible for chicks to suffer injury from jumping around.
I usually don't worry too much, chicks and chickens jump and bounce around quite bit, so I think yours should be fine.

Cute Chicks, what breeds did you get? They look quite spunky and happy to explore their brooder. It looks a little close quarters, so you may want plan on giving them a bigger space within the next few days, they grow quickly.