Surgery Needed, Chick w/ 3rd Leg Near Rear

[Dawn4115]

Hello All, I’ve been raising chickens for most of my life with our family. And growing up, any farmer would’ve just culled a chick with a malformation such as this. But, we came across this little girl and she’s adorable. Eats well, in good health, overall energetic in between naps like all healthy babes. The problem is, the 3rd leg has a blood source/circulation near the main body. Otherwise, the leg dangles uselessly and partially blocks the rear for defecation. We keep her clean but I think surgery soonest is best. Birds in general are not great at recovering from anesthesia. Any known farm remedies out there, or medical specialists with tips for us? Thanks to all, take care, d.

 

[NewcoopNewpoop]

Pictures??
And are you saying there is a vein or artery nearby or one that feeds the extra appendage itself?

 

[OrpingtonManiac]

Pictures?
@Eggcessive

 

[Eggcessive]

I would wonder about banding the third appendage, until it falls off, in the way some young animals are castrated on farms. But I have no experience with that. I would check with a farm vet or regular vet though.

 

[Dawn4115]

Hello All, I’ve been raising chickens for most of my life with our family. And growing up, any farmer would’ve just culled a chick with a malformation such as this. But, we came across this little girl and she’s adorable. Eats well, in good health, overall energetic in between naps like all healthy babes. The problem is, the 3rd leg has a blood source/circulation near the main body. Otherwise, the leg dangles uselessly and partially blocks the rear for defecation. We keep her clean but I think surgery soonest is best. Birds in general are not great at recovering from anesthesia. Any known farm remedies out there, or medical specialists with tips for us? Thanks to all, take care, d.

 

[Dawn4115]

Hi All, I attached two pics and have done some research. Apparently this is known as Polymelia in baby chicks. Often times it involves one or two extra limbs, which are often smaller and non-functional. The condition by itself is reported as 1 in 10 million. (That seems extreme to me.)

Incredibly, this little one has a multitude of abnormal developments, including internally. She has two separate anuses. You can see one clearly on her side in the pic when I cleaned her in warm water. This side anus functions normally, which is why I cleaned her up.

The reasons for the condition, and the severity of the condition varies. Considering she has two anuses, I’m inclined to think this specific little one was originally conjoined with a twin that stopped development… that is known as a parasitic twin. There are plenty of pics and posts about that. Many have additional limbs dangling from a fully developed embryo chick.

It’s unusual but neat. I agree with someone here who recommended banding. That was my initial thought other than the bone structure. I’m learning more about her. If she continues to thrive I’ll do the best I can with her extra leg. We’ll give her the best little chicken life we can!