New chick with inflamed/ deformed foot, plus polydactyl

[Chickidychik]

Hello chicken community,

I am new to hatching baby chicks and need some expert eyes and advice on this new baby chick of ours.

**Note, this clutch was hatched out of obligation to our now deceased chicken who was sadly attacked by a dog. We later found her stash of eggs nearby our home and allowed another one of our broody hens to carry out her mission in honor of her. I have no idea how long she was sitting on them or when they were laid. We now have 3 chicks (including this one with deformity). All hatched over the last 3 days.**

Quick review of chick health history:
Hatched two days ago.
Eyes were shut for about 12 hours and opened in brooder box (possibly a premature hatch)
Swollen hock, deformed?
Extra digit. 5 toes.
Falls on back and gets stuck. Unable to move about in a upright position.
slightly splayed legs, but im willing to bet it could move around fine if its foot wasnt deformed like an L shape.
belly enlarged. Umbilical still attached but dry.
I hand feed water and food.
Not noticed a poop yet, hoping I get one tnite!

Notice the hock looks super inflamed. It looks much like the bottom of a hockey stick (both the shape and way in which it's bent).
The extra toe is stacked on top of the other so it's impossible to get them to lay flat. I've tried boots to know avail.

Other solutions I'm trying include glass method for splay leg to see if I can strengthen muscles for it to at least walk or hobble around. Will be making a sling/ chair this evening. Also adding probiotics and vitamins to water for possible ribolfavin deficiency. Administered nutri drench to stimulate appetite and mashed food to a nice wet consistency.

What does this look like to you? Anything else I should try?

Many thanks!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

How's your chick doing? That is a sore looking foot. Is it able to stand at all? I might stick it in a low container so it has the sides to push up against. Hopefully as it gains strength it gets to moving more normally.

 

[Chickidychik]

Thank you for the reply! Yes, happy to report this chick is walking (rather hobbling) and eating/ drinking normally. I have added electrolytes and probitics to water that include ribolfavin. It does seem like it should be OK however I would love to correct anything I can before it sets! Physical therapy for strengthening legs will continue with 'glass method' and I am tempted to try another 'boot' to flatten out any toes I can. I don't think there is much that can be done about the hock as upon closer inspection, seems like a deformity. Would not want to hurt or make things worse.

Furthermore, this chick has brow‐ red stool with bubbles. Is this normal? Any idea what it can indicate?

Should I seperate from the other chicks in brooder due to possible contagion?

Many thanks for your help and insight

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

The red coloring in the poop could be from the extra vitamins you are giving it. Generally chicks are fairly sterile as far as diseases, so I wouldn't separate it if it's doing okay.

 

[Chickidychik]

That is a relief. I will be sure to add a dispenser with plain water so the chicks have options between vitamins and plain water.

thank you!

Also found a article that explains vargus leg deformity. Posting here in case someone else stumbles over with similar inquiry.

seems like chick can live relatively normal life, even with eventual lameness in leg. Fingers crossed! I've gotten so attached in the last two days. They are all too cute

 

[Chickidychik]

Correction, Varus/ Valgus leg deformity*

 

[Chickidychik]

How's your chick doing? That is a sore looking foot. Is it able to stand at all? I might stick it in a low container so it has the sides to push up against. Hopefully as it gains strength it gets to moving more normally

I've added 4 chicks to same brooder since this LO hatched. Should I seperate this chick with deformity in seperate brooder?

I've noticed it is getting bullied and looks rather low energy, even though it gets around fine?

Additionally, the navel is bot fully healed and the umbilical is still attached. I'm so afraid other chicks will peck that area... am I being too cautious? Is it healthier for chick to be around buddies?

Thanks again!
Sincerely,
"A newb" haha

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

@Wyorp Rock can you offer any advice?

Usually the navel will dry up and fall off if it hasn't already. I would probably trim anything hanging out too far as long as it's dried up. Used to be it was suggested to treat unravels with iodine. Not sure if that's still used or not. I'd probably use bluekote as that's what we keep on hand.

You can take a small bit of hardware cloth or other similar fencing and make it a small circle where you can separate it if necessary but still be in the brooder. Otherwise pairing it with a more quiet chick might help if you need to remove it.

Chicks sometimes pick on each other, but it generally stops after we few days. You definitely don't want to see any wounds.

 

[Chickidychik]

@Wyorp Rock can you offer any advice?

Usually the navel will dry up and fall off if it hasn't already. I would probably trim anything hanging out too far as long as it's dried up. Used to be it was suggested to treat unravels with iodine. Not sure if that's still used or not. I'd probably use bluekote as that's what we keep on hand.

You can take a small bit of hardware cloth or other similar fencing and make it a small circle where you can separate it if necessary but still be in the brooder. Otherwise pairing it with a more quiet chick might help if you need to remove it.

Chicks sometimes pick on each other, but it generally stops after we few days. You definitely don't want to see any wounds.

Appreciate your responsiveness and advice. As you suggested, Ive added a chick-friend to the brooder box. Looks to be much more content.

I also have blue kote on hand and will swab a small amount on the cord. Earlier today I dabbed a little antibiotic ointment (without pain reliever) to avoid any possibilities of infection! Ill let that absorb a little longer than apply blue kote. Really rooting for this one!

Lastly, what are your thoughts on this (photos below)?

Bare bottom (one side only) and slightly inflated/grey in color??? Is this normal? Does it signal infection?

This little chick has taught me more than ive ever known in the last 2 days... *sigh*

-JM

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I'm sorry about your chick.

The swelling near the vent may be infection, so hard to know with little ones like this.

Sometimes if they hatch with deformities, they fail to thrive. I'd keep her warm and hydrated, encourage her to eat.

As for the leg, likely no correction can be made, I agree, it's a deformity, it's possible she can adapt, but she may lose more mobility as she gets older and heavier - time will tell.