my 5 week old RIR chick has 1 curled toe

Nutty4Chickens

In the Brooder
11 Years
Mar 27, 2008
19
0
22
Pennsylvania
I received 27 chicks 5 weeks ago, I just noticed that the RIR chick's outside toe is curled out. Is it too late to try to splint it? She is walking normally, I feel bad that I did'nt notice sooner. Can anyone give me any advice?
 
Five weeks old may be a bit old to splint it, but you can try if she lets you. She's still growing so there is a chance that it can recover. Since she's getting around fine though, I wouldn't worry about it.
 
Thanks for the advise, I found a wooden Q-tip and some extra long bandaids in my first aid kit at work. I will try it in the morning. I tried bending it straight yesterday, but I didn't want to force it, it wouldnt go all the way straight. If I splint it, maybe it will straighten gradually? I'm new to all this - we have 3 Rir's who are almost a year old and have had no problems (knock on wood) they are angels and we love them to death! I want this one to be ok. Thanks again and if it doesn't work, then maybe it will be ok since she can walk fine.
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maybe some stretchy bandage would work gradually, if you're not able to straighten it with the toothpick..

do you give vitamins?
sometimes curled toes are a sign of Vitamin B12 deficiency..
if you don't have chick vitamins, you could try Poly-vi-sol childrens' vitamins..1-2 drops in beak once a day for a week then taper off.

chick vitamins would be good for all the chicks.

might be a good idea to watch and see if this chick is being bullied away from food and water.
 
I have been giving them Quick Chick that I mix with their water. It has vitamins and electrolites. She seems to get along with the others fine, she was actually snuggling with the others last time I looked in on her. After I write, I will try to splint her up. Her weight is the same as the others, there are 5 other RIR babies her age. I do have liquid bird vitamins that I give to our squirrel, maybe I can give her some also. Thanks so much for the advice.

I just love this forum, there is so much to learn about these wonderful feathery balls of love!!
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I did get the splint and bandaid on her toe. She was so cooperative. What a good girl! When I put her back with the others, they didn't even notice and she mingled right into the crowd. A couple of hours later I checked her, and the bandage is still in tact and she seems fine. At least I tried, if it doesn't work then I feel assured that she should be ok.
Thanks for the advice!
 

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