Toes curled under on newly hatched silkie chicks.

[Featherland]

I have 3 Silkie chicks that hatched this morning and their outer toes are curled under their feet. Is there anything I can do to correct this?

 

[jkcove08]

I have had that happen to several of mine too. I was told to get a thin piece of cardboard and use duct tape to tape thier toes down and then trim it so that it is like a little shoe. I tried it and it didnt work for mine. they do pretty good with curled toes. Just cant perch on anything real well. Jenn

 

[Featherland]

Thank you jkcove08. I will try that. Does anyone know why that happens?

 

[SpottedCrow]

It's either genetic or the humidity was off.

 

[Featherland]

Would that be the humidity too high or too low? Could it be a vitamin deficiency? I put bandaids on their feet and they are walking much better. Does anyone know how long to keep the bandaids on their feet?

 

[dlhunicorn]

In addition to the "shoe" (for small chicks a strong tape...even duct tape will usually do> place foot on a square with toes in proper position then another square on top and press well together then trim)
I feel it is crucial to add a supplement for the b vitamins in particular B-2 (riboflavin) as a deficiency is often involved with curled toes. POLYVISOL does not have the B-1 but does have B-2 I believe so I would give three drops of that daily into beak for a week then ease off the next in addition to the shoe.

 

[bayouchica]

Here's a link that might be of some help. http://www.peafowl.org/ARTICLES/1/
I've never had any experience with crooked toes with my chics, so I can't offer any other advice to ya.
Good luck

 

[Featherland]

Thank you all for your help and advice.

I have been giving them vitamins. Last night I took their' bandaid shoes" off (they were on for 3 days) and their toes are just fine now.
Featherland