The Story of Hops, deformed joint that will not hold tendon in place. Vet said prognosis is not good

[cutlerfam7]

I have been reading other posts about a slipped tendon but I don't believe that is the cause. I have 26 chicks and all of them are fine expect this one. She is a lot less developed then the other chicks. She still has her fluffy baby feathers while the others have their "teen" feathers. She isn't really thin or anything like that but I haven't seen her eat or drink in a while and I am deeply concerned. I really don't want her to die...it makes me cry anytime I think about it. I want to fix her so bad. I have loved this bird since the day I got it. Please someone tell me what to do!




PLEASE HELP ME! Her other leg is fine! I need help!

 

[cutlerfam7]

I also just noticed that she has some green colored skin underneath the swollen area on the back part of the joint. Also she is having some loose orangeish stool. Is there any hope?

 

[cutlerfam7]

I also read about give them vitamins & electorlytes but all of the chicks ususally get clean water and then vitamin water so I'm not sure if he just wasn't drinking the vitamin water then or what?

I would appreciate any input. I'm really worried.

 

[cutlerfam7]

I tried putting her in a sling to have her leg stretch out but her leg that is swollen was just shaking the whole entire time. Is that normal? Should it shake like that? I took her out of it because I thought that it was not normal and I didn't want to cause her any pain. I am having trouble finding some advise on this. I'm very desperate and it upsets me that I haven't been able to find help from anyone. Some support would be nice from my fellow chicken-ers. I'm begging now. Someone...please help.

 

[itsren]

I hope someone can give you some ideas soon. That's a very swollen joint. I'm so sorry. It is very difficult when little chicks are injured.

Is this a new injury? Or was she born like that, do you know?

 

[itsren]

I also read about give them vitamins & electorlytes but all of the chicks ususally get clean water and then vitamin water so I'm not sure if he just wasn't drinking the vitamin water then or what?

I would appreciate any input. I'm really worried.

If you hand feed him, then you would know what he's getting. When my little chick was in a chicken sling, she ate and drank a lot. I knew she no longer had access to eating pine chips or sand, and was only eating what she was supposed to. It was amazing to watch how quickly she gained strength and healed.

And, yes, my little chick would shake in her chicken sling. I kept her in it, because I knew it would be either the sling or she'd probably never walk again. She slept in a dog kennel, lined with shredded paper and covered in paper towel, separate from her flock at night. I was afraid of something happening to her if I left her in her chair while I was asleep. Since I knew she wouldn't try walking around at night, I was confident letting her sleep on her legs. After a couple of days in it, she calmed down and the chair didn't bother her. She seemed to know what to expect.

 

[cutlerfam7]

She wasn't born with it but she is far less developed then my other 25 chicks which worries me that she may have some genetic thing. She fights me to get out of the chair which makes me wonder if it causes her pain or if she is just a stubborn girl. I literally have to hold her down so she will calm down and when she calms down she will sit in it for about 15 mins and then want out again. I seperated her from the big group but put 2 very calm, gentle chicks in there with her and they have made great companions to her. They cuddle with her and keep her safe. The others were just stepping on her and she had a hard time getting out of the way.

 

[itsren]

I think in many ways I was fortunate because my chick that had to be in the chair is such an easy going chick. She's a Light Brahma - and a very docile one. I've wondered, if I had to do that one of my other two, if it would have worked because they would have actively tried to get out of the chair.

I hope someone who knows something about this injury responds soon!

 

[itsren]

Is the chick any better today?

I found a site that had recommendations for a swollen joint: http://www.thepoultrysite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15639

 

[cutlerfam7]

No she isn't any better but not any worse. Well I dont think she is worse but my mom thought the swelling was worse. However, from just observing her she does stand up and try to stretch out her leg but of course she can't stretch out her whole leg cause the joint is swollen. She was in the chair for a little bit today!