Two chicks with Cripple Legs...Cull or Let Live?

[Huny]

Hi everyone, I have a moral dilemma more than anything and want opinions. I just hatched out some Buff Orpingtons and Silver Laced Wyandottes, and two have problems with their legs. One, the buff, can not bend the joint, or stretch it out straight. It's bent up under her, like when they lay down. The other has it stretched out all the time, to one side, again, can't bend the joint. Both are hopping around on one foot to get food and water, they are weaker than the other 10, and have got trampled on a little, but seem to be fighting.

Would you cull them or let them live? I haven't culled them because I wanted to see if nature would just take its course, and show me if they are in pain or suffering. They don't seem to be, but who knows?

 

[chickensioux]

I personally can't cull due to disabilities. Sorry you have this dilemma on your hands. I would watch and see. Good luck with whatever you decide.

 

[Backyard Farm]

It is so hard... but I personally would cull them.

I don't think they will have a good life as a chicken... may be pick on... can't get around easily.

It is very sad ... no solution feels very good.

 

[allmypeeps]

Hi there!!!

SO sorry to hear of your chicklettes problems.

HOWEVER! I had a day old chick I acquired from a town fair. The farmer guy was going to cull it after the fair closed because he couldn't sell and injured bird. (I guess she fell thu the incubator and was left dangling all night until someoen noticed)

Her leg was twisted and she walked on the top part of her foot and her toes were stiff and bent up in the air. I was lucky enough to aquire her. I had an appointment to get her leg splinted. however the day I was to bring her in her leg was all better!

Miraculously it had went back to normal on its own. It took 5 days. I went to sleep and it looked bent as usual, and when I woke up it was good as new! as fragile as they are its amazing how resliliant these little youngsters' bones and cartilage can be sometimes...
She's now 2 years old and he leg is 100%.

Not to say your chicks will be that lucky....ultimately the dicision is up to you....

A) ask a bird vet if they can be splinted or fixed easily while still young (they heal faster)....

B) wait and see how they do as they grow...if they are getting heavier and weight does not seem to affect their ability to walk then I say let them live- even if you can't keep them....someone else may be willing to take a care of a mildly handicapped chicken....

Good luck!!!!!
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