Spraddle Leg Treatment for Feather Legged Chicks

[KHoward]

Hi all,

I just had a chick hatch yesterday that was overdue and needed help getting out of the shell. She can't stand and just lays on her belly. If I put "shackles" on her she just lays on her side or back. Do they figure it out on their own, or do I need to try and keep her upright? I work, so I can't watch her during the day.

Any suggestion is appreciated.

~K

 

[RebekahTN]

Hi all,

I just had a chick hatch yesterday that was overdue and needed help getting out of the shell. She can't stand and just lays on her belly. If I put "shackles" on her she just lays on her side or back. Do they figure it out on their own, or do I need to try and keep her upright? I work, so I can't watch her during the day.

Any suggestion is appreciated.

what did you end up doing for this chick and did it work?

 

[KHoward]

Hi,

This chick didn't make it but I think it was a matter of a stressed hatching.

Of the 10 times I have tried this, only once has it worked. However, I believe the problem was actually the time that I waited before treating. The one time it worked, I splinted the legs as soon as I identified the issue. The other 9 times I waited 3-4 days before doing anything, believing that it was simply a vitamin deficiency that could easily be corrected by adding vitamins to their diet.