Silkie Chick with Leg Issue

[hoeftam]

Hi! I recently got some new chicks. I got 4 silkies bantams from Tractor Supply and and 2 Easter eggers from Ace Hardware. 2 of the silkies died and 1 of the silkies has an issue with it's leg. It keeps picking it up and shaking it and chirping loudly like in distress. It holds it out to the side and walks with a limp. It is eating and drinking and able to move around. I felt the leg and it does not appear broken. I don't think it's spraddle leg. I tried using the hobbles with vet wrap but it just kept falling on it's face. We really don't want to lose another silkie. Is there anything we can do to help it? Does anyone know what it could be? Maybe a sprain, tendon injury, dislocation, or a deformity?

I tried to take some good pictures.

 

[A_Fowl_Guy]

Looks to be spraddle leg. I suggest making a hobble out of a bandaid. How long did you use the hobbles?

 

[A_Fowl_Guy]

https://www.muranochickenfarm.com/2012/10/spraddle-leg-band-aid-fix.html?m=1

 

[hoeftam]

Looks to be spraddle leg. I suggest making a hobble out of a bandaid. How long did you use the hobbles?

Thanks for replying! Is it spraddle leg if it's just one leg and the chick can hold it up? The chick holds it is and shakes it. It walks with a limp. I only had the hobbles on for a few mins because it kept falling on it's face. I was worried about it not being able to get food or water or getting trampled by the other chicks.

 

[Eggcessive]

It may be a tendon issue or a leg bone deformity. You will need to hand feed this little one to make sure that it is getting enough to eat and drink. Mix a very wet chick feed with water, and offer it to the chick in a little lid often. We are not vets, and most vets do not know a lot about tendon problem or leg bone deformities in chicks. So, unfortunately many try different method to determine if it is a slipped tendon, or an untreatable leg bone deformity. It is possibly a valgus deformity in the right leg.

Valgus deformity in the right leg

I am torn between trying to splint the leg with a figure 8 vet wrap bandage or letting it try to learn to get around on it’s own. You can remove vet wrap daily to check the tendon or leg, and allow for growth which this chicks do almost before your eyes. During that time you can do some gentle physical therapy and let it move around on it’s own.

Here is some reading about splinting, trying to feel for a slipped tendon, and some infor about leg bone deformities:
https://www.chickenheavenonearth.co...u-can-do-to-help-chicken-heaven-on-earth.html

http://www.thepoultrysite.com/articles/1051/leg-health-in-large-broilers/

Here is a good thread with pictures on taping a leg with a slipped tendon:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/peachick-with-slipped-tendon.1092979/

 

[hoeftam]

So it does not appear to be a slipped tendon. There is also no swelling or noticeable deformity to the leg. The chick can walk on it but definitely favors it and has a limp. The chick is able to get around but will hold the leg up and peep loudly at times.

 

[hoeftam]

Does anyone have any other ideas? I have both legs wrapped below the hock for support. I can't do the hobbles because it just falls on it's face and gets stuck the poor thing.