Spraddle Leg?

[NorthernSkye]

I woke this morning to one of our chicks what appears to be Spraddle leg? I have never had a chick who has had it so I am not 100% sure. It's "knee joint" is turned in under it's belly and it foot turned out. Anyone have any idea's? Should I splint it? If it was twisted the opposite way it might make sense but i am not sure any ideas would be greatly appreciated
Thanks, Skye

 

[horsejody]

Sounds like a possible sipped tendon. I had one like that but was unsuccessful in treating it. Hopefully, somebody with better slipped tendon techniques will answer.

 

[NorthernSkye]

Thanks HorseJody

 

[horsejody]

Here is another post with a possible slipped tendon.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=201834

Extra vitamins are helpful for many leg weaknesses. A few drops a day of polyvisol (without iron) dribbled on the beak may help. Gently massaging the tendon back in place over the hock may help, and you will probably need a bandaid brace. I was unsuccessful, so I might not be the best one to help.

 

[California Ducken]

Hi The below information was given to me by Glenda L Heywood.

ORTHOPEDICS FOR POULTRY MADE EASY FOR BEGINNERS
By D.C. Townsend

These treatments have been tested and proven effective. I developed them for peafowl but they
may be used for any poultry. The key to success is to begin treatment promptly. In some cases delay
will kill or cripple the chick.

CHICK SHOE
Not Actual Size
HALF SHOE
Not Actual Size
In the 1995 hatch, I had a number of peachicks with a kink in the outer toe of one or both feet.
They were well past a week old when I decided that I must do something about it. I made HALF SHOES of black pipe cleaner. I tore off a quarter inch-wide stripe of duck tape several inches long and secured
the HALF SHOE to the middle and the outer toe. Several days of treatment were needed. Some of the
HALF SHOES came off and had to be taped on again, but all treated peachicks had straight toes at the
end of the treatment. There is a young peacock that I missed treating. Now it is too late and he will
always have a kink in his outer toe


HOBBLE BRACE
ACHILLES TENDON OUT OF THE GROOVE
When the Achilles tendon slips out of the groove on the hock joint, a peachick will not be able to
straighten its leg. The problem needs prompt attention because the struggling peachick will put
its weight on the hock joint which will damage the skin and cause swelling in the joint. The tendon
can be pushed back in place with just one finger or a very gentle squeeze between the thumb and index
finger. Sometimes just one treatment will give a complete cure that seems like a miracle. Other
times several treatments are needed. Stubborn cases require advanced treatment that is too difficult to
explain here. I treated both legs of a peachick for two weeks; She grew up to be a healthy peahen.

STRADDLE LEGS
This problem can occur even if you take the precaution of having quarter inch hardware cloth
under your peachicks. Sometimes it is caused by the struggles of a chick with its toes rolled into
fists. In that case, both problems must be treated at the same time. I cut a piece of tape four or
five inches long and from the HOBBLE BRACE with the legs far enough apart so that the peachick can walk. The tape must go the whole way around and cover its sticky side so that it does not stick to the
peachick's fuzz when it sits down. Usually 24 hours of treatment is sufficient, but sometimes more is
required. CHICK SHOES and the HOBBLE BRACE can be used at the same time.


BUT JUST MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THE SUPPORTIVE CARE DONE AS WELL>
ie: electrolytes and vitamins in the water also poly vi sol(yes for human infants)WITHOUT iron.
Good Luck!

 

[California Ducken]

Any updates?
How is your chickie doing?