Toes Fused Together On Newly Hatched Chick.

[Mrs. Glassman]

I just hatched a few BCM's. One of them was born with it's outer two toes fused together by skin on both feet.

Since the pinky toe is way shorter than the middle toe, the middle toe is forced to curl under. It can't now walk properly, but it does hobble around. The chick is alert and energetic.

I'm thinking I should slice the offending skin with a NEW, SHARP razor.

Is there anything else I should do, and how soon should it be done?

 

[ChickBond 007]

I believe this is a genetic flaw in some of the BCM strains seen right now. I would not keep this chick for breeding purposes, just for eating eggs. Read the Marans thread, so much info on this there.

 

[jojo@rolling acres farm]

I would do the same thing you are about to do. It gives the chick a chance at a fairly normal life. I would do it asap. Good luck...let us know how it all turns out.

 

[Mrs. Glassman]

Quote:
Wow...I typed "Marans" in the search bar....there are like 200 threads. Is there a certain place I should look instead?

 

[Mrs. Glassman]

jojo@rolling acres farm :

I would do the same thing you are about to do. It gives the chick a chance at a fairly normal life. I would do it asap. Good luck...let us know how it all turns out.

Thank you!

I will...but first I want to know if it would be good or bad to put iodine on it first & how in the world would I bandage something SO SMALL.​

 

[Mrs. Glassman]

Ok, I did one foot, and OMG it bled. I held pressure on it for a bit & put silvadene cream between the toes.

I've got it apart from the rest of the chicks, but still in the bator.

I'm going to let it rest for a few hours before I do the other side...it was a bit stressful to both of us!

I hope it's little feet get well

 

[ChickBond 007]

Mrs. Glassman :

Quote:
Wow...I typed "Marans" in the search bar....there are like 200 threads. Is there a certain place I should look instead?

Yes, I should have been more specific (sorry).
Try this thread:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=77436

These people are the marans experts. If you ask the question to them, they'll know for certain.​

 

[Mahonri]

Mrs. Glassman :

I'm thinking I should slice the offending skin with a NEW, SHARP razor.

Is there anything else I should do, and how soon should it be done?

I would do that and then tape the toes into correct positions on a little piece of cardboard.​

 

[gabby3535]

I wouldn't tape the toes until all is healed and chick is walking normally and all threat of infection has passed!
I had this done (slicing the web between the toes) on a young BCM, by my vet.........kept her separate from the others.........
slice was 'corterized', and silver sulfate was applied.......
had her on oral antibiotics and 'every-3rd-day pain meds' (as chickens metabolize pain meds
differently from humans)..........for about 2 weeks before any taping was done.
Please make sure any possibility of infection has passed and 'slice' has healed well 'before' you tape anything!
By 'taping' you will keep wound 'moist' and quite open to infection........................

 

[jojo@rolling acres farm]

Hi,

I've been outside...give us an update...how is the chick doing now?
I didn't know both feet have the issue. I do think you have to keep it by itself...so the other chicks don't peck at the wound. Are the toes straight now or, are they still crooked? If they are crooked - I do agree that they may need to be taped. If they are straight...I would let air get to the wound and let it heal without taping.

I would use Neosporine WITHOUT pain relief in the formula. Also, try to find it in CREAM form...ointment will matt down the feathers/down and messes up the bird's ability to insulate itself. Don't use oil products on creatures with feathers.

Keep us posted...