Peachick With Foot Knuckled Under

[Shepicca]

I don't have a problem with culling it and I probably should but I want to give it a reasonable chance seeing as it has fought so hard to live. I will not go above and beyond to let it live but I won't let it suffer either. I don't think amputating a foot is something I am prepared to do, I will cull it first.
So far it seems to be eating and moving around OK but it is in a small brooder box so it doesn't have far to go. The real test might be when it moves to a larger area and needs to walk more.
I will keep taping for a bit and see if I can get it a little straighter and then decide.

 

[Charliet]

how is it doing?

 

[Phage]

I had one like that that got fixed with a splint. Did not put on splint for about a week (ie after other methods failed). It is 100% normal now. Don'y give up!!

Before:

splinted with garden wire loop and tape:

Just after splint was taken off. It was on for about 5 days think
Chick is totally normal now.

 

[Shepicca]

Took the tape off last night and he doesn't look any better. I may give the wire a try but he is 10 days old now so the bones are probably set that way. Thanks for the pictures of thw splint, will keep them in mind for the next time if it doesn't pan out for this little guy.

Irene

 

[Phage]

Quote:
Mine started way way worse than yours is and I never expected it to fix, but it did. I would give it a shot even now.

 

[Shepicca]

OK, he is getting an extra chance as I just hatched out another singleton and need him to keep it company. Not sure what it is about the end of season hatches but the last 3 have been singleton hatches
We have taped a popsicle stick to his foot to try and straighten it, last ditch attempt. Can't say he isn't getting every opportunity!

Irene

 

[Phage]

The Key trick to fixing it that Kev told me is to make sure the longest toe is aligned with the leg. That made all the difference. Can you post pics?

As for the singleton hatches, I have found personally that eggs don't seen to hatch so well at the end of the season. Maybe fertility, maybe due to lack of nutrients (poor hens are out of essential trace elements for eggs).