I need advice on a two day old chick that cannot walk

[taymar's flock]

I assisted a hatching chick that had pipped internally but not externally. I could not stand to hear it cry anymore. Now I understand why she could not hatch on her own. She does not seem to have any control of her legs. She does not have straddle leg nor are her legs paralyzed. She cannot balance or take any steps. She just lays on the ground, not even able to sit up to eat or drink. I read that standing a chick in a small coffee cup to strengthen her legs helps but I do not see any improvement other than she is strong enough to jump out. Does anyone have any suggestions or is there no hope for this little chick?

 

[Farmer Viola]

I have fixed a chick with legs like that before, and I actually have a chick right now with this problem. What I do is small sessions of 'chick physical therapy' with them a few times every day. I also tied this chick's legs together with flexible Vetrap material since she would kick one out. I help her balance by using her leg muscles and holding her feet in place, slowly letting go so she stands using her legs. I also support her body and help her 'walk' her feet on a good flat surface (I use shelf-liner flooring for good grip). I think it helps re-train her brain on what movement is "right" especially if she has spent a lot of time on the ground or scooting around. I also give her a few drops of NutriDrench concentrated chick vitamins every day and help her drink water. my chick is only a few days old and isn't really eating yet. the vitamins should also help correct any deficiency from hatch. last time this took 4 days of physical therapy and my chick could walk, but it could be up to a week.

here is more information on chick podiatry, there is information on physical therapy too:
https://sites.google.com/a/larsencreek.com/chicken-orthopedics/leg-braces

 

[taymar's flock]

Thank you. I will keep trying. I think that physical therapy might work. I just did not know any other methods to try.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

Thank you. I will keep trying. I think that physical therapy might work. I just did not know any other methods to try.

I would try the vitamins as mentioned by Viola as poultry vitamin deficiencies can cause leg issues- here:
http://www.apa-abayouthpoultryclub.org/Edu_Material/VITAMINS.pdf

So it may help a little- I don't know.

 

[3riverschick]

Yes, great suggestion by Viola!
Poultry Nutri-Drench or Pet Nutri-Drops by Bovidr Labs. Can be used interchangeably.
Tractor Supply has the best price at 6.99 to 9.99 . Or your local feed store. Doesn't need to
be digested. Mainlines directly into the bloodstream saving the effort needed to digest.
Best,
Karen

 

[newbiejones]

what ever happened with your chick? I am having the same problem with a day old chick. I didn't have to assist in hatching but it cannot walk. it just rolls everywhere, it cant even stand. Its so sad and I don't know how to help it.