Strengthening chicks legs

[hanjj033]

I have a chick just over a week old who I think may have spraddled? legs.
It can walk around ok, but its legs do slide out to the side of it when it is standing. Not enough for it to fall over, but enough to make it a bit slower then the rest.
It also stands with one leg slightly out to the side when its standing still.
I know youre supposed to tie the legs to help the bones grow correctly, but I was wondering if there was anything else I could do to avoid this and make sure the little guys legs grow correctly. Considering hes getting around ok on his own, I dont really want to immobilize him or impede him by tying his legs together.

 

[Egghead_Jr]

Tie the legs. It's really the only way, if it's done day one or two it only takes a day or two to correct. It's almost like the leg is slightly popped from socket with splayed leg and by forcing it in a straight position when the bird walks it pops back in or at least starts to grow that way. It takes no time to correct when young, a week old will take longer. May not truly correct to perfect now but is worth a shot if you want or let it be as it doesn't seem to bother it. It will simply look a little off.

Two or one band aid works well. If string use twine sized, yarn would work. Think prisoner leg shackels, just enough to walk short steps and that will keep the leg closer together.

 

[hanjj033]

Thanks so much for the advice! The band aid tip is great aswell, thank you!
I got the poor little chicks from this horrible woman who was keeping literally hundreds of chickens and chicks in appalling conditions, so I was expecting some sort of issue. Hopefully this is the worst of it!
Again, thankyou for the info! =)