Need advice about chick with a swollen hock

[chickenkahl]

I have a 3 week old chick that we recently noticed the left hock was turned in and is a little swollen. The foot points out to the side somewhat. She walks around on it without a lot of trouble but it is just not normal. We noticed it after I had put her in a little coop outside for a while. We were gone for about 6 days before that and I don't know if she has had trouble before (though looking back at pictures it looks normal) and we didn't notice it or if something happened while we were gone or if she could have injured it while she was outside. I have read about the tendon slipping but I can't see any obvious tendon sliding around. I don't know whether to try to splint it or rest it or what. I also read that a vitamin B complex could be good and if so would like advice on the best way to deliver that. Thanks for any help anyone can give.

 

[Kiki]

Welcome to BYC.
I'm sorry your little one is giving your trouble.
Is it possible to upload a picture or two of her?

This should help you learn your way around this site and see how to upload the pic.

 

[chickenkahl]

Here are a couple of pictures that I hope will help.

 

[Kiki]

Poor little one.
I'm not sure if this is something that would need a splint or not.
Nutri Drench is a good vitamin for chicks and it can be giving straight in the mouth..not mixing needed.
Here is something you might be interested in reading too:
https://sites.google.com/a/poultrypedia.com/poultrypedia/poultry-podiatry

 

[Eggcessive]

This may be a slipped tendon, but it looks like varus valgus deformity in the one leg. There is nothing that can be done for the leg bone deformity, but in case of a slipped tendon, you can read about how to put the tendon back in place on many links about slipped tendon. You can try to give the chick a chance with vitamins and mineral supplement, and splint it. Some chicks may be able to get around well enough if the hock tendon does not rupture.

 

[chickenkahl]

Thanks so much for the info. I have never had this type of thing happen before so I was really at a loss as to the best way to proceed.