Splayed leg advice

[Happy Chooks]

 

[SeattleLeah]

I've fixed spraddle legs several times now but this is proving to be a difficult case. The chicks legs keep going out behind it rather than out to the side. So that even after a full day of being banded the legs are still going straight back with the chick laying on its stomach and kind of crawling around. Ive added a wire mesh on the floor in case traction was a problem. Im not sure what else to do, Ive really never seen a chick do this before. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I think I will wait until the morning and see how its doing. I dont want to let the poor thing suffer though. . .

 

[Thespoiledchicken]

I've fixed spraddle legs several times now but this is proving to be a difficult case. The chicks legs keep going out behind it rather than out to the side. So that even after a full day of being banded the legs are still going straight back with the chick laying on its stomach and kind of crawling around. Ive added a wire mesh on the floor in case traction was a problem. Im not sure what else to do, Ive really never seen a chick do this before. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I think I will wait until the morning and see how its doing. I dont want to let the poor thing suffer though. . .

That is not splayed legs. You will need a different strategy for that. Some people have success making the chick a little cup to sit in with it's feet just touching the ground slightly. Then have food and water up high in front of it.

Here, like this (not my pic)

See this thread for more info https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/712496/day-old-chick-severe-splayed-legs-bone-showing-on-hocks


Good Luck!

 

[SeattleLeah]

thanks so much for the advice! I popped the chick in a glass and he immediately stopped struggling. he is even putting some weight on his legs and popping his head out of the top of the glass.

Check it out:

 

[Thespoiledchicken]

Can you put some rubber shelf liner at the bottom of the glass? Something to help him even more with his grip if possible.

GREAT JOB!

 

[SeattleLeah]

yes, I realized the glass was too slippery and he has been upgraded to this cardboard tube I added shelf liner for traction like you suggested and its working well!

 

[Thespoiledchicken]

Sweet!!!!!

A couple days of that and his legs may be strong enough to walk on his own

Just make sure he can somehow eat and drink freely...I have seen people make like a little shelf in front of the chick and it has worked.

GREAT JOB!!!!!


Trish

 

[SeattleLeah]

UPDATE: Thank you soooo much for your help! I am so glad I didnt give up on this chick because after 2 days in the cardboard tube it is running around the brooder with the rest of its hatchmates! I still have its legs banded together but will try taking that off tomorrow. Yay!

 

[Thespoiledchicken]

That is GREAT NEWS!!!!!!

 

[Herbladi]

What a great job !!!!!