Surgery?

[Bananas]

I posted this in the "raising baby chicks" forum but only one person answered and I'd really like to get some more opinions on this:

I got a batch of day old chicks today and one of them has his toes fused together. Here are some pics:

Has anybody ever had this happen before? The other lady suggested surgically separating the toes with a sterile razor blade, and I am seriously considering doing this...has anybody else tried this?
I know if I am going to attempt this it should be sooner rather than later, but is it necessary?

Any opinions would be much appreciated

 

[Bananas]

Oh, they're fused on both feet, by the way- guessing some sort of genetic defect???

 

[rebelcowboysnb]

I would do it.

 

[Kovalciks Chickens]

Have you done it yet?

If so howd it go?

If not I dont think I would do it. If you really want to do it I would go to your local vet and see what they think. If you do do it yourself it will most likely bleed like crazy so be prepared. It depends do you have enough baby chicks that it would not matter if you lose one or not.

 

[Bananas]

I haven't done it yet...mostly because I don't have a clean razor blade and I haven't gotten the chance to go to the store. I have a feeling it wouldn't bleed that much, the toes are connected with a super thin web of skin.

On the other hand the chick seems ok. He's not in pain, and he's not walking funny or anything. I think I might just leave him.

I just figured this was a problem people had dealt with before and I expected other people to say what they'd done, but maybe it's not so common... I'm not gonna try surgery if nobody's done it before, especially if the chick doesn't really seem to need it.

If anybody's had this problem before, please let me know what you did. Thanks!

 

[Chicks_N_Horses]

I'd do it. I would use a sterile razor blade and rub alot of Neosporin on it until it heals.

 

[Imp]

bananas,
There are a few threads about this.

I'll post a couple more links.

Imp- Hope these help

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=46580

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=209141

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=146340

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=183361

 

[Highland Moongazer]

Personally, I would do it sooner rather than later, since the bones are still bendable at this age.