Mouse bite/Frost bite/ broken ankles???

[JacinLarkwell]

Layers feed is unsuitable for growing chicks. It has too much calcium in it. I don't know what the effects on the chicken would be of a calcium overdose, but it might be very relevant to these feet problems.

I never use other feeds, and I've never had problems with it before in 10 years.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

I just reread your post and see that you think the ankles are broken. I would do the same soaking as it will help anyway, and crate it to make sure the chick cannot move around. Also give some baby aspirin or ibuprofen to ease the pain.

It must have jumped or been pushed down very heavily off the roost and not had a chance to open its wings.

Do you think mama accidentally colliding with her could cause it? They don't roost yet and the highest they jump down is about 6" out of the box

 

[Chicalina]

Just did a bit of googling.

Gout.

https://www.msdvetmanual.com/poultry/poisonings/poisonings-in-poultry

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Layers feed is unsuitable for growing chicks. It has too much calcium in it. I don't know what the effects on the chicken would be of a calcium overdose, but it might be very relevant to these feet problems.

Too much calcium is hard on the kidneys of non-layers, like old or young birds, molting birds, and males. When I learned this (thanks, BYC!) I switched to an all-flock formula. Everyone thrives on it. I provide oyster shell in a separate dish, and those that need it help themselves.

I really don't know what could be causing those lesions on your chicks' feet. Could they be insect bites or stings? Ants maybe?

 

[Chicalina]

Even better link http://www.poultrydvm.com/condition/gout

 

[Wyorp Rock]

This I think was a mouse bite. These birds run loose in the barn where there are mice, and I have seen a mouse dart out of their housing multiple times. Not super noticeable but there is a puncture wound on the toe. I cleaned it off with an antiseptic wipe and it started to bleed again. It also had a puss bubble between that toe and the middle I popped and cleaned that had clear liquid. The ankle is so, so swollen.

Pus bubble. She had another one that apparently popped on the other side of her middle toe. Cleaned and popped with clear liquid.

Both ankles are very swollen and she won't put weight on them. She walks on her legs, and doesn't want to walk. She let's me move them, and I didn't see any bubbles or wounds.

They get layer feed crumbles just like every bird I've ever had plus whatever else mama finds them. They're with their mama hen and a brother that has not problems at all. About 9.5 weeks old, and except this past 2 weeks have been so cold, she probably would start weaning sooner. They sleep in a wooden hutch on shavings that's open for them to leave 24/7.

How cold has it been?
Since you have what 3 of them with similar issues - those bubbles remind me of Frostbite.
If that's the case, then I would not pop any more bubbles.
Move them to a warmer area where they are on dry bedding and have less exposure to cold.

Clean the toe that is raw. Careful about rubbing any of the feet. Gently clean off debris, but I would not do any soaking until you figure out what's going on.

I would fee them chick starter.

 

[Chicalina]

How cold has it been?
Since you have what 3 of them with similar issues - those bubbles remind me of Frostbite.
If that's the case, then I would not pop any more bubbles.
Move them to a warmer area where they are on dry bedding and have less exposure to cold.

Clean the toe that is raw. Careful about rubbing any of the feet. Gently clean off debris, but I would not do any soaking until you figure out what's going on.

I would fee them chick starter.

Frostbite looks different and these chicks have a mother hen caring for them. Their feet will be kept warm.

With the OPs update on food, my bet is that it is gout, which deposits urates in the feet joints and tendons.

 

[Chicalina]

Yes to the chick starter, or growers pellets.

 

[RainbowHen]

How cold has it been?
Since you have what 3 of them with similar issues - those bubbles remind me of Frostbite.
If that's the case, then I would not pop any more bubbles.
Move them to a warmer area where they are on dry bedding and have less exposure to cold.

Clean the toe that is raw. Careful about rubbing any of the feet. Gently clean off debris, but I would not do any soaking until you figure out what's going on.

I would fee them chick starter.

2nd this. Frostbite is nasty stuff

 

[Wyorp Rock]

They're with their mama hen and a brother that has not problems at all. About 9.5 weeks old, and except this past 2 weeks have been so cold, she probably would start weaning sooner. They sleep in a wooden hutch on shavings that's open

Frostbite looks different and these chicks have a mother hen caring for them. Their feet will be kept warm.
With the OPs update on food, my bet is that it is gout, which deposits urates in the feet joints and tendons.

Must be a huge Mama if she can cover Four, 9 1/2 week old chicks and keep everyone's feet warm too.

I read it. I understand about the feed. But Bubbles, swelling, cold temps generally is Frostbite.