Injured chick?!

[Crazymomoffour]

I’m a first time chicken mom, just got my first 12 chicks last night. They were all fine and healthy when I put them in the brooder. This morning I have one chick that refuses to put her left leg down. She’s holding it up and even laying on one side when she’s resting. Help! What’s happened and what should I do?

 

[CluckNDoodle]

Someone else just posted about what sounds like the same issue a couple days ago. Here's the thread.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/help-chick-wont-use-its-leg.1351709/
I'll suggest the same to you and I did for her though. I would give the chick a vitamin suppletment with vitamin B2 riboflavin in it. Rooster Booster Poultry Cell or Polyvisol WITHOUT iron (an infant liquid vitamin) are both good options depending on what is available near you. Foot and leg issues are often related to B2.

If you're able to, please take some pictures and share them with us here. Also check the chick for any redness or swelling to see if it could be due to an injury. I hope your peep pulls through!

 

[Crazymomoffour]

This is how she holds the leg. And just so you know...I got her butt cleaned up lol.

 

[MysteryChicken]

Looks like a slipped tendon.

 

[Crazymomoffour]

Looks like a slipped tendon.

I read the post on slipped tendons. I’m afraid to try to push anything back in. She’s starting to stretch it out and put slight pressure on it so I’m thinking leave it alone? No clue here. These are my first chicks.

 

[MysteryChicken]

I read the post on slipped tendons. I’m afraid to try to push anything back in. She’s starting to stretch it out and put slight pressure on it so I’m thinking leave it alone? No clue here. These are my first chicks.

A splint may help improve things a little quicker.

 

[CluckNDoodle]

I read the post on slipped tendons. I’m afraid to try to push anything back in. She’s starting to stretch it out and put slight pressure on it so I’m thinking leave it alone? No clue here. These are my first chicks.

If she's stretching it out and putting pressure on it, it's not a slipped tendon. The leg will either stick out to the side or underneath them depending on which side the tendon slipped. Like this chick. He wouldn't have been able to put his leg down even if he wanted to without me bending it for him.

 

[CluckNDoodle]

Have you offered vitamins? Sometimes it's as simple as a vitamin deficiency.

 

[Eggcessive]

Can you get a picture of the chick standing from the front at eye level even if you have to hold her upright? Here are some articles about fixing a slipped tendon:
https://www.chickenheavenonearth.co...u-can-do-to-help-chicken-heaven-on-earth.html

 

[Eggcessive]

This chick is thought to have a slipped tendon which may be evidenced by the swollen flat hock in the back: