So you guys have no idea what I'm talking about cause I haven't shared it on BYC, but I'm just so excited I have to share now! I had a chick hatch with a severe hip deformity. I let him crawl around for a week, hoping maybe it would get better in time, but it only got worse. It got to the point where he couldn't move his leg even remotely (I think the nerves were pinched) and it stuck out at a 90 degree angle from his body (at the hip, not the hock). So last week I called my vet and asked if there was anything I could do for him. She said hip deformities/injuries are rarely fixable, but I could try and she told me to splint him a special way (he needed a brace between his legs as well as two hobbles). He couldn't eat on his own because the hobbles stressed him out so he wouldn't focus on food, so I've been force feeding him. Three days of splints made significant improvements, but nothing too great and I was beginning to think he couldn't be saved.
But today, day 6, I cut the splints to make bigger ones and he can use his leg again! It's fairly straight and he can actually stand on it! He's walking! He's far from perfect but I think I can fully fix him now. I'm just so excited that he might make it after all! I decided I would let him use his legs for the first time in 6 days today. His muscles and so weak I thought he might benefit from some exercise. He's just remembered what solid food is and is happily devouring his chick starter. And he's walking and moving his leg. Yay!
