Problem Chick?Not splayed/straddle leg... Now infection?

[Pasha1]

Thanks everyone. I tried making a chair... it was very well constructed but he has full use of both legs and refuses to stay in it. I made a "cast" out of bandaids and put some neosporin (without pain reliever) on the sore which is pussy. I am not sure about a tendon problem yet as he has full movement with that leg. I think it got nicked in the bator and got infected. Gonna keep trying the neosporin and bandaid cast and see if the infection clears and go from there. No way I am gonna cull the chick. I know it's probably the right thing to do but I can't bring myself to do it. I bury my eggs that don't hatch. I don't even kill bugs. Practically a buddhist. He is eating and drinking and snuggling with the other chicks. Maybe I will get lucky. Any other ideas would be appreciated. Better splints, or how to keep him in the chair? I could just cry. Feel so bad for the little guy.

 

[ItsAZOO32]

Hey there.. with my little guy, I literally had to strap him into the chair. I spoke with a few "specialists" for my chick with the chair and one said that they DO need to be able to touch the floor if they have use of the legs. I just used gauze or a fabric piece to strap him in. Sounds like you are doing everything you can! I was heart broken for mine and know how you feel. I DID have another chick that was splay legged and I treated with a bandage and he's doing great now. His name is Wobble because he still walks a little funny but gets around and does awesome with the others.

Please know you have support!!

 

[Pasha1]

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Thanks Bunches!! He made it thru the night. Leg sore looks slightly better, I think. Had to take off the cast. It won't stay in place. Once I am awake (took an ambien so I would sleep... so hard to get up) I will try the chair again. Poor little guy. Will also make the chair shorter. His feet did not touch the ground.

 

[Pasha1]

I went in to attempt the chair again but am going to wait. His legs are in the right place, he's getting around, and most importantly eating and drinking. I have him on a wood clementine box that I added cardboard walls to. I put in pine shavings and covered them with paper towels so he has a softer area. He is definitely favoring the leg but that hock is swollen and has that sore. Still looks better then yesterday though.

Now any ideas on treating that sore? I am so worried about that. We do raise our chickens organically but they are just for us. If saving this guys life means antibiotics I am ok with that and can just find him a good home. Or I can keep him as a pet. I have plenty of room. The governor of this household hands out stays of execution for those who we are not going to eat. I have 47 acres and 2 chicken houses with a total combined space of 132 square feet of space... not including nest boxes. Building a new run with an open house as well which will add even more. We view our chickens as pets with purpose. We will eat some roosters and love having the eggs but I can totally have some useless pets. With the turtle, rabbits, hermit crab, fish, cats, and dogs that serve no purpose in this household what's a chicken? lol At least it will live outside unlike the rest of them.

 

[ItsAZOO32]

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I would go antibiotics. I wish I had with mine. I honestly think the infection killed him, not the legs. We aren't too far away from each other. A couple if hours drive. If she makes it (and it's a girl) I would LOVE to take her in for you. We enjoy having unusual and quirky pets. Our Wobble is so fun with her strange little walk.

 

[Pasha1]

Antibiotics it is then. I just rather give him a fighting chance instead of chalking it up to personal eating habits. It's still a life in my eyes. If we don't get too attached and it's a girl I will send you a message. We live in Cairo and I would be happy to meet you halfway.

 

[Pasha1]

Made the decision to cull the little guy today. Was making progress but took a turn for the worse last night. While I was changing his dressing to clean his wound he reslipped the tendon and the wound opened back up. This morning I checked the leg and it had swollen so much. I thought about restarting treatment but it's been a week since this problem started and I couldn't imagine it getting any better. My boyfriend took care of it. I am still horrified and crying. First chick we've lost. Saddest day ever.

 

[ItsAZOO32]

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I am SOO sorry

That's a bummer..

At least he isn't in pain any more. You did the best you could

 

[Pasha1]

Thanks to all for info and well wishes.