I had to amputate my young chicken's toe this morning... so sad

[MkePainter]

Can I ask what vet you called? I live in Milwaukee, and it would like to know a vet that would treat a chicken or be able to give advice if needed.

@Erin Meta I called the emergency veterinary clinic in Grafton, but they actually do not have avian vets there. I just was able to talk to an after-hours vet on the phone, and she kindly offered me advice because she did not have a reference for a farm vet off hand. Let's stay in touch because sooner or later we'll have to find somebody around here!

 

[Erin Meta]

@Erin Meta I called the emergency veterinary clinic in Grafton, but they actually do not have avian vets there. I just was able to talk to an after-hours vet on the phone, and she kindly offered me advice because she did not have a reference for a farm vet off hand. Let's stay in touch because sooner or later we'll have to find somebody around here!

Definitely! I'll let you know if I come across anything.

 

[MkePainter]

OK @Erin Meta I have an answer! They're not close, though. The Cedarburg clinic called me back and recommended Brook-Falls Veterinary Clinic in Menomonee Falls. Website is https://www.brookfallsveterinary.com/. Apparently they have the only board certified avian specialist in the state of WI, so that's impressive.

 

[Erin Meta]

@MkePainter that's awesome!! Fortunate that the specialist is so close. Thank you so much for sharing!

 

[MrsSchneid82]

We live in Wisconsin and are experiencing a very cold weather front right now... I have 7 week old chicks who brooded in the (chilly) garage and seemed ready for the cold, so we moved them out to the outdoor (insulated) coop last week around Christmastime. Sadly, one of the girls ended up with frostbite on her feet despite my efforts to keep a safe environment. Luckily I caught it early enough, and have been following forums here and elsewhere and getting great advice on how to keep the skin healthy and infection-free while the frostbitten areas heal.

I thought things were going well... until last night, I noticed the middle toe on her right foot was curled inward and seemed lifeless. Warm, and a good color, but lifeless. I examined it a bit and realized the BONE was sticking straight out, and the soft tissue of the toe was curled lifelessly beside it. UGH, I will spare you the gory pics. So awful.

I called emergency vet in my neighborhood and they said they would not see chickens on a holiday; only cats and dogs are welcome on NYE. So I asked, "Can you at least offer me some advice? Should I try to replace the tissue on the bone, splint it and wrap it? Or what?" and the vet said, "No, the only thing to do here is amputate."

Happily I found a thread here from 2008 in which someone had to amputate a chicken toe, and I learned how to cut off and cauterize the wound. Long story short: I DID IT, Y'ALL.

Thank goodness for BYC!!! OMG.

Still nerve-wracking though. Look at this cute little face.
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If anyone has any advice on how to deal with the ongoing healing or adjustment of a 7-week-old, two-toed chick, I'd appreciate it.

Where is the link to amputate? I’m new to this site. I have a baby , 2 days old. Toes seem to be deteriorating and nails are gone. Anyone who sees this and could help id much much appreciate it. I know baby chic would too