Splay Legged Chicks

[Rammy]

Its my fault. I have three chicks that are splay legged. I put them on newspaper this time instead of shavings. I noticed it today and found a post on here showing how to use band-aids to fix thier legs. I put paper towels in the box I have them in and am keeping an eye on thier progress. I hope it fixes the problem.


Rammy

 

[homesteadinmama]

Don't beat yourself up. Keep the bandaids on and they should strengthen up quickly.

 

[Chickiegirls2]

Wait, you put them on news paper??? Thats what I am goingt o put mine on... I will have to change that!
I am so sorry... lesson learned... its ok... dont beat urself up 4 it!!!

 

[Rammy]

Thanks, guys. Two of them seem to be doing alot better this morning, but the smallest one and the one that was the worst seems to still be having a problem. I am going to separate them and keep the splay legged ones in the tote they are in and move the ok ones to the brooder outside in the barn.
Yeah, I dont know what I was thinking doing the newspaper. Last year when I hatched out alot of chicks, I used shavings, but I had seen a post on here about not doing that because they might eat the shavings trying to figure out what was food. Also, it was very dusty using the shavings in the spare bedroom where I had the incubator, so thats why I decided on the newspaper. I have put paper towels on top and the chicks are having no problem getting around except the one.
I may attempt to split his/her legs a little closer with another band-aid. I might get some clothe ones as the plastic seems to be cutting its little legs somewhat.
I think I will post pics so you can see what they look like.

Rammy

 

[FombellClucks]

We had this happen with a little silikie we hatched out. The best thing (besides the splint) we did was put in the rubber shelf liner. That with the bandaids and the little one was walking find in a day or 2 and didn't need the splints anymore. Don't blame yourself, I think if they're going to get it they do and if they aren't they dont but I'm new to chickens so what do I know? Just don't give up hope and keep trying to help it.

 

[Rammy]

Ive decided not to post any pics because I dont think the two remaining splay legged chicks are going to make it. One keeps falling over and Ive replaced his bandage twice trying to get his legs stable and under him. Doesnt seem to be working. And he seems cold and havent seen him eating. I keep putting him back under the light because he is cold. Its just a 75 watt bulb about a foot away. Its putting off good heat but not where he would have to move away from it because its too hot. The other chick is staying under it but not him. I put the chicks that were doing ok in the barn today in the larger brooder to give them more room and kept these two separated until, hoping, they would recover, but it doesnt look like it. I keep going in to check and the one chick that was the worst keeps being found on his side like he cant get up. So I upright him, only to have him fall over again so Ive tried proping him up in a corner. Its just so sad.


Rammy

 

[lamNervousNellie]

Quote:

Rammy, I'm so sorry to hear this

It literally brought tears to my eyes, but I'm just an emotional, hormonally imbalanced chicken loving woman

Maybe just hold him and love him and try to feed him by hand if possible, or dribble a little sugar water on his beak for some sort of sustenance. Hang in there. PM me if you need some support or more virtual hugs.. I've got plenty of both.

 

[Rammy]

Thanks, but its too late. I came home to find he has gone to baby chickie heaven. I buried him out in the back yard. So sad. He struggled so hard to get into this world, too. I guess its best. Im sorry you cried. Im pretty bummed too.


Rammy

 

[mother o' chicks72]

Quote:
how is the other one doing? im so sorry about your poor little baby!

 

[Rammy]

The other two are fine. One I put out in the brooder yesterday, and put the second one out when I found its buddy had passed away. He still walks a little wobbly but I figured that the other chicks would keep him motivated and get him to move more. I am just going to watch them and see how they do, but the one that I took the splint off of first you cant even tell which one it was. Next hatch, I will go back to the shavings because I did not have this problem when I did that.

Rammy