OregonKat that's some great advice. Its really coming good now. Observed it eating and drinking, so we are safe there. It can get around, almost as quick as the others. However, I dare say there is still some issue (luckily, its pretty mild) with its leg(s). I say this because sometimes it likes to stretch its legs. One at a time. When th3 others do this they are a little wobbly on the one leg they are standing on. To be expected, sure! but the little "runt" if you like, just collapses. It's like this one leg does not have the strength to balance the chick while it is stretching the other leg. So after it collapses, it lays on its side to stretch the leg. It also sleeps on its side with this one leg stretched way out behind it.
You cant physically see anything wrong. Everything looks in its place and in the correct proportions. But this chick seems to have an issue with one leg.
It will be ok with us. Even if it was in worse condition. we treat our pets really good. We make careful, thoughtful and regular observations. Carefully monitoring their health and progress. Their health is never taken for granted. they are always given any extra help when needed. We once purchased 4 x 1-day old chicks about 7 years ago. One of them could not walk forwards at all. it could only walk backwards. It took the chick several weeks before it could walk forwards. When it did walk it walk as if it had broken glass or thorns under its feet. as if it were in pain.
When she grew up, her toes were curved inwards, and she had these big lumps around her ankle area. a bit like when a human gets a Corn on their foot. Well her name was "Angel" and she outlived her clutch mates. (Sisters). She was also top Chook. She was at the top of the pecking order. She always got to eat first. the other girls would almost bow to her, and get out of her way. She would be very bossy with them, but they would do what she wanted. they totally respected her. Even though if they had a fight, she would have had no chance of winning. The others didn't know that, and she played it to her advantage. Then one day, she turned up on our front porch, she stayed there for two nights (she would normally sleep in the Chicken house). on the morning after the second night, I found her dead. I think she was trying to say goodbye, or at least trying to tell us something was wrong and that she need help. She lasted 6 years. I know to some it sounds a bit odd, but she was one of the best pets we ever had. Some chickens are quite dumb, and you never connect with them. Others seem to be extremely clever, and sometimes you can connect with them. Angel was very clever, and she never let her disability get in the way. She earned so much respect from us and totally stole our hearts.
I'm a bit teary while typing this. My wife just left the room, quite upset. She had a profound effect on us, Angel.
Anyway, my point is that I think this chick will be ok. If we can manage Angel, we can Manage Two-Four. (Two-Four is tempory name). but it would be really great if we can identify what her trouble is, so that we can better manage and assist her.
This is a gret community! Definaley one of the better forums around.
