Spraddle leg??? Please help!

[HeatherTheMommy]

This baby hatched yesterday under my broody. Today her legs are straight out on front of her in a v. Like she can't lean up to even try to stand on them. I have never dealt with this issue before so I need advice. I tried my best to splint the legs but will rewrap later when my husband is home to help me. Shes inside now and I feel bad taking her away from mom. Please help!

 

[sumi]

It does look like spraddle leg and taping it in position is usually a very effective way of treating it. In this article there is a section explaining the issue and treatment in some detail:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/leg-foot-and-toe-issues-in-poultry-of-all-ages

Good luck!

 

[minihorse927]

I have had some pretty good luck with sticking them into a shot glass when their legs are like this. It has to be a small one that forces the chicken the stand on its feet. I usually leave them in for a few hours and take them out for a couple and then back in for a few more. A day or 2 and its fixed. Just another possible option if taping doesn't stay

 

[HeatherTheMommy]

She seems to be improving. She is now standing on her taped legs. Very wobbly but standing which she couldn't do a few hours ago even with taped legs.

 

[sumi]

That's great! They thankfully usually recover within days when they are this young, depending on the severity of course. And she's such a cutie, I hope she'll be fully fine soon.