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question about a crippled chick

Discussion in 'Raising Baby Chicks' started by ninabriley, Apr 29, 2011.

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  1. Apr 29, 2011 #1
    ninabriley

    ninabriley Out Of The Brooder

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    As a class project, my pre-k students and I incubated 9 chicken eggs that were donated to our class(different breeds). Eight hatched without problems. The last chick was slow to hatch and I assisted him/her. I thought the chick would perish overnight, but miraculously, it made it. However, it has trouble manipulating one of its legs. It seems as if it has trouble with the muscles in one leg. I am not sure what to do. It is 3 weeks old and is hobbling around, gaining weight, and is accepted by the others.

    Do I just wait and see what happens over time?
    My concern is what will it do when it starts gaining more weight?
    Any suggestions?

    The chicks currently reside in my backyard.
     
  3. Apr 29, 2011 #2
    fried green eggs

    fried green eggs Chillin' With My Peeps

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    Mar 25, 2011
    S.E. Michigan
    I'm no expert but, Could this chick be a cornish X ie meat bird? Is it gaining weight and growing more than others? Reason I ask is the meat chicks can have leg problems due to being eating machines. Keep a eye on how fast it is growing compared to others. If it is a meat type you will need to sparate it to control how much it eats so it won't get too heavy too fast. Otherwise do a wait and see as long as it seems ok maybe it's leg will get better w/time IMHO Good luck
     
  5. Apr 29, 2011 #3
    ninabriley

    ninabriley Out Of The Brooder

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    Apr 26, 2011
    Thanks!

    The chick has mainly white feathers with some black splotches.
    Not sure of the type.
     

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