*PICS* Chick squatting with swollen knee joint and wings out?

[BLaBauve]

I have a 3-4 weeks old Cochin chick acting funny. It's squatting down low with it's wings held out. It's legs seem like they are bowed out??? It doesn't want to walk much but chirps and eats. Thoughts?

 

[mmaddie's mom]

did he just start doing this? sounds like a leg problem and the wings are out for balance and support.

 

[BLaBauve]

He's always looked very wide, but i didn't notice it bothering him. I also noticed his knee joint looks red.

 

[BLaBauve]

He's the light colored chick in my avatar picture. He's always looked wide.

 

[chicmom]

OK, so this may sound dumb, but, could he be bearing down trying to poop? I mean, look back there...maybe he's constipated?

 

[mmaddie's mom]

as he puts on weight his bad legs can't suport him as well... splayed leg, maybe? don't know a lot about it... solutions anyone?

 

[RedfogsFlock]

My chicks started doing it too, at first I thought wow a little young to be doing the egg squat aren't we? Then I realized mine were doing it because they were just hot. BUT mine were eating too, so I'll just go back to my own little world now.

 

[RM44]

Quote:
Yep, that was my thought too. It sure is hot here in GA lately. Could your chick just be overheated? Have you tried moving the chick into a cooler location and observing the behavior?

 

[BLaBauve]

I moved him to the garage this morning and he's still doing it hours later.

 

[BLaBauve]

Ok here are some pictures. He has been the same the entire day. He is pooping - I'm not sure if he has been drinking though. His knees look red and swollen - almost like he is disfigured. Thoughts please!