Swollen joints on chick

[MilesFluffybutt]

Hello BYC Community,

I have a month old cross-beaked Silver Laced Wyandotte chick that I rescued from Tractor Supply. Until yesterday he (I think it's a he) has been an extremely active chick. Running, jumping, pecking, following me around the house, etc.

Today I noticed a bit of swelling on his left leg in three spots - at the ankle, the outer toe joint and a little further up the leg. The ankle and the upper leg were swollen first w/ the toe swelling a couple of hours later. He's been standing on his good leg w/ bad leg pulled up and his head tucked behind his wing. If not sleeping like that, he's snuggled down into his bedding. He's always tucked his head so that's not new.

Because he is a cross beak, I've been mixing his medicated chick crumbles into a soupy mash w/ Harrison's Juvenile formula. His crop is usually full, but he doesn't drink enough straight water. I've tried a variety of watering setups - nipples, cups, different bowl sizes and styles - but he's not generally interested in drinking.

Any thoughts on what's going on?

Long term, I don't really expect him to live, but I certainly don't mind giving him a shot at life.

 

[trumpeting_angel]

I have no idea, of course, but I admire your Chicken Charity! He looks like a sweet little guy. If he was born cross-beaked he might have other deformities, right?

 

[MilesFluffybutt]

He is very sweet. (Still hoping I'm wrong and it's a she. I have too many boys already.) Aside from his malformed beak, his only other physical deformity at this moment is a kink in his neck. It's the oddest thing.