mild splay leg in 5 week old chick

[HR Patterson]

I just got some new chicks and discovered one has mild splay leg. He is a bantam cochin, about 5 weeks old, and gets around but he waddles. Do you think it has a chance of being corrected with the hobble method?

 

[DuckLady]

If it is mild, absolutely! You need to get it hobbled ASAP so the bones don't have the chance to grow splayed.

 

[HR Patterson]

Okay; not sure how I'll do it, with the feathered legs and all. I think I'll try my daughter's pony tail tie for a couple of days, then maybe cut a sponge. The make-up sponge is too small, so I've got to get a cleaning sponge. Wondering how I'll get his feet in the holes. Wish me luck!

 

[Solsken Farm]

How s your chick doing? I have a 5 weeker that is wobbling too. Mine must also be a mild splay. I have been watching her for a week and it is not getting better. I have tried the sponge and the hobble but she can't get around with them. I must not be doing it correctly.

 

[HR Patterson]

Sorry I didn't see this sooner.

He is a she and she's doing great, thanks for asking! At first, I didn't think it would work. We used our daughter's ponytail ties and they seemed to slip a bit. We finally "gave up" after a few weeks and took them off. She hobbled around for a few days then seemed to adjust and walks just like the roo does now. I hope yours turned out well, too.