Peachick born with curled toes, will these boots correct it?

[dublinducks]

About 30 minutes ago I hatched a single peachick (long story). I believe he was shrink-wrapped, I had to assist him in hatching after about a day and a half, but he's out now. The humidity during his lockdown was way too low, and I've read that can cause foot problems.

When I put him in his brooder, I noticed he was having a lot of trouble walking. His toes are curled and loose, it doesn't seem like his feet are stiff enough to stand on. It seemed different than the ducklings and chickens that hatch who take awhile to orient themselves, he kept falling on his back and rolling around. I read that making some 'boots' and flattening out their toes in their first days can correct that, so I want to make sure I am doing it correctly so that he can walk.

I really don't want to cull him. Can someone verify this is the correct thing to do, or give me any other pointers?
Please and thank you!

 

[dublinducks]

Additional picture

 

[KsKingBee]

Trim the excess tape off and make sure it has traction. If the feet slip under it the ankle will turn in or could splay. If it is falling over backward it may be because of bubblebutt, where it has not absorbed all of the yolk yet. If that is the case I would put it on a cardboard for 24 hours.

 

[dublinducks]

@KsKingBee I’ve redone them and put him on top of a microfiber to help with traction, do these look any better? He will sit with his legs under him in almost a squat, similar to the position the chick on the right in the above picture — but I haven’t seen him walk. When should I worry if I don’t see him walking?

I’ve attached a few more pictures, I hope you can see what you need to.

I’m giving him about a drop of poultry cell every 20/30 minutes or so, but I haven’t seen him eat or drink yet either. I have only ever done ducks and chickens, so I’m not familiar with their behavior when they first hatch.

 

[KsKingBee]

We like to spread the toes more than you have into a more natural footprint. It also helps with their balance. Also make sure the ankle is flexed and not straight with the leg so it can stand.

Do not be concerned about eating and drinking at this point as it has all it needs for a couple of days in the yolk in its belly. Water should be available if it wants it so it does not dehydrate, you can tell by looking at its feet shriveling which is a good indicator.

Give it some time to gain its balance and the standing and walking will come, usually in a few hours.

 

[dublinducks]

@KsKingBee Alright, everything heard. I'm going to try and do a really good tape job when my fiancee gets home and can help hold the peachick. I'll make sure the ankle is flexed and spread the toes out more, and then I'll upload a picture in a few hours.

Thank you for your help!

 

[KsKingBee]

@KsKingBee Alright, everything heard. I'm going to try and do a really good tape job when my fiancee gets home and can help hold the peachick. I'll make sure the ankle is flexed and spread the toes out more, and then I'll upload a picture in a few hours.

Thank you for your help!

Practice makes perfect. Here is a little trick that might help; hold the foot down in a natural standing position on a flat surface and spread the toes out, Place a piece of tape over the top then turn over and make any adjustments needed. Then add the bottom tape and trim making sure the thumb is out.

 

[dublinducks]

@KsKingBee it worked!! I didn’t get a chance to snap a picture, I apologize. But I fixed his boots and this morning they were straight, but I noticed he was splayed. Used some vet wrap and now he’s standing and (awkwardly) walking! Thank you SO much!!! I was so worried he wouldn’t be okay.

 

[KsKingBee]

@KsKingBee it worked!! I didn’t get a chance to snap a picture, I apologize. But I fixed his boots and this morning they were straight, but I noticed he was splayed. Used some vet wrap and now he’s standing and (awkwardly) walking! Thank you SO much!!! I was so worried he wouldn’t be okay.

YAY!

 

[Midnightman14]

I have found painter's tape to be a good way of correcting toes. It is not super sticky so there is wiggle room for both you and the chick, and it's meant to come away easily and mold itself to fit cracks and bumps well.