I hatched out 6 silkies three days ago and all are doing great except for one little partridge. I noticed the first night that he had one leg which appeared crippled, he held it very close to his body and did not use it at all. I assumed it was from being cramped in his egg and he would improve in a day or two.
I did some research on here and read that it might just need some therapy, so several times a day I have been working with that little leg, excercising it, stretching it, and massaging it. I actually thought it might work.
Today however, I discover that the leg is now hanging to the outside of it's body, instead of being held close to the body. It's little toes appear curled and the entire leg appears almost lifeless. He has scooted around the brooder all day (on his belly) picking up bits of food scattered by the other chicks... who have a tendency to trample the little guy non-stop. More than once I have found it laying in the waterer, no doubt trying to get a drink. For the time being I have him separated from the other chicks. I do not know what to do and do NOT want to have to cull this baby.
Any suggestions before I break down and have to do the unthinkable?
I've only had to cull one chick and it was a no-brainer. It came out of its egg suffering and I couldn't bear to see it suffer. This little dude on the otherhand doesn't appear to be suffering, but unless someone has a miracle cure for it, I can't imagine what kind of life it would have dragging itself around on the ground.
I did some research on here and read that it might just need some therapy, so several times a day I have been working with that little leg, excercising it, stretching it, and massaging it. I actually thought it might work.
Today however, I discover that the leg is now hanging to the outside of it's body, instead of being held close to the body. It's little toes appear curled and the entire leg appears almost lifeless. He has scooted around the brooder all day (on his belly) picking up bits of food scattered by the other chicks... who have a tendency to trample the little guy non-stop. More than once I have found it laying in the waterer, no doubt trying to get a drink. For the time being I have him separated from the other chicks. I do not know what to do and do NOT want to have to cull this baby.
Any suggestions before I break down and have to do the unthinkable?
I've only had to cull one chick and it was a no-brainer. It came out of its egg suffering and I couldn't bear to see it suffer. This little dude on the otherhand doesn't appear to be suffering, but unless someone has a miracle cure for it, I can't imagine what kind of life it would have dragging itself around on the ground.
