New chick not using 1 leg: **Pictures****

[JodiLynn]

I had 6 chicks hath last Fri/Sat and this was my first hatch. My temp stayed great but during lockdown DH opened bator not realizing what it could do. I assume this had something to do with 2 chicks hatching with crooked toes. I also did an eggtopsy on other eggs and they seemed to have lived until probably day 18 or 19 .....I splinted the legs/toes and one chick bounced right back and is now better then ever. The other chick who we have named "Stitch" needed both legs splinted, one leg is now straight and working fine but the other he is not using at all. When he hatched there was a small open sore on the elbow of the leg. He holds it up close to his body and gets around on one foot. I still have the splint on but it doesnt seem to be doing much. He eats and drinks but does seem to sleep alot (possibly more than the other) Is there anything else I can do for him? I hate to end his little life as I feel like our mistakes caused this and he is eating and drinking but any advice would be appriciated!

Does anyone have experience with this? How will is quality of life be? I have seen photos on here of chicks with curved toes but none quite like stitch.

 

[JodiLynn]

Yes I will get a picture but it will be after school (around 6) his toes are curled in and he holds his leg up. Will post pics later! He is already a favorite around the farm

 

[JodiLynn]

Do you have a photo?
I'd like to see what you mean. As long as the others don't gang up on him, he should live a good life unless he is in pain.
Usually leg issues are either genetic or caused by low or high humidity during the first 18 days. Splayed leg is caused by struggling to walk in an incubator with a wire floor. I have had two chicks develop splayed leg in the incubator. One did not make it, the other is fine. He's named Hobbles and is 2 weeks old tomorrow.

Adorable by the way!

 

[aoxa]

Yes I will get a picture but it will be after school (around 6) his toes are curled in and he holds his leg up. Will post pics later! He is already a favorite around the farm

Okay, I'll check back at that time, and thanks

 

[JodiLynn]

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This is Stitch. He eats and drinks and is the same size as the others. Just holds his leg up and this happens with/without the splint. They only thing that the spint seems to be helping is the curving of the toes. Any thoughts?

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[JodiLynn]

I think this needs to be in the other forum but I am not sure how to move it there?

 

[aoxa]

I think this needs to be in the other forum but I am not sure how to move it there?

I'll report it as misposted and the moderators will fix it

 

[aoxa]

Done.

Could he not be using his leg because of the tape on his foot?