Newly Hatched Chick HELP

[Karrie13]

Does this chick have a chance?

It was hatched yesterday and did use its legs to push itself out of its shell. His hocks are swollen and have purplish marks on the outside of the hock. He moves by scooting around and will sometimes put his feet over his back. I thought a slipped tendon but I am not completely sure. Birth defect?

Here is a view of him on his stomach

Here is a view of his legs

Here is a view of his worst leg.

 

[houndit]

How long has he been hatched? Usually if I have one like that I wait several hours. It will usually take off or get weak and need to be gotten rid of.

 

[Karrie13]

It hatched yesterday evening around 6:30.

 

[Karrie13]

Does anyone have any ideas? I don't want this poor little chick to suffer but want to give it a chance if there is one.

 

[Karrie13]

Nothing seems to be helping. I have tapped the feet, given vitamins, put vet wrap around the hock (tendon didn’t look out of place though) and put a band aid support between the legs. I have done this for 2 days now but it doesn’t look like it is working. He also wont eat or drink. When I don’t have him supported in a bowl he just flops around in circles even when I take off the hobble/braces/tape. So I guess I am going to have to get the courage up to cull. My husband is gone for the weekend.

 

[Elite Silkies]

It should be walking fine by now. I would say cull, but I know I can't cull so it's hard to tell you that. I am such a wimp when it comes to culling. Do you have anyone that could do it for you?

 

[Karrie13]

My DH normally takes care of that for me but I don’t want this little one to suffer any longer. My DS would probably help me out but don’t want him to have to do that for me. It is just cheeping away but just not eating, drinking, or walking.

 

[loralei]

I would have a hard time dealing with this myself, Karrie13 and I am so sorry you are going thru this! To me it seems if the poor little guy isn't eating or drinking he doesn't have the will to live and I hate to say it but it would probably be kindest to cull.

Laura

 

[Karrie13]

Thank you for the advice. It’s done. I did it. I had to try two times before I succeeded. I just feel horrible about it.

 

[jacyjones]

Poor you and well done for doing the best thing!