Weak left foot in pullet, help please

[chicknmania]

This pullet, L.C. (for Little Chicken) was hatched almost three months ago. Since she was hatched we have noticed she has a slight problem walking which comes and goes. She is tiny compared to her brothers and sister and can fit in the palm of a hand. Last night the walking problem got worse. The foot periodically collapses and looks deformed for a few minutes, like it would if it was curled in the egg and never straightened out right. But then, she can straighten it out and walk normally for a while before it collapses again. We separated her and put her in a cage with a wire bottom. This helps a bit as she can grip the wire. She has no other symptoms, eats and drinks normally, normal droppings. Eyes are clear and bright green. Should we try to spint the foot? If so how and for how long? I mean, should we try to spint the ankle part, the toes, or both? And would a vitamin supplement make any difference? She is still on chick starter. I think this may be just a defect, or a neurological issue, possibly connected to her small size, but I hope not, we love her, natch! Suggestions, please????

 

[LynneP]

Best bet is that she is growing fast and can't keep up with calcium demands. Osteoporosis is common in chicks because of this. I don;t mean she should have layer feed, though. Unless a genetic trait, and if could be, calcium should be added- even if her feed has limestone crushed, be sure it isn't falling to the bottom of the bag and has failed to mix, offer separate crushed limestone, very finely even if you have to use mortar and pestle and foods high in calcium like yogurt or boiled egg. Please let us know how she is doing after more calcium. Not sure if she will need splint- you have to judge.

Also, vitamins B and E, often found in oil gelcaps, can be offered to chicks with leg problems, by dropper.

 

[chicknmania]

You know, maybe that's why she has an infatuation for chick grit. She will eat every bit of chick grit she can find,even before she eats feed.... but I haven't been offering grit every day; usually two to three times a week. So I will offer her chick grit every day and I will try your suggestions and thank you very much.

 

[chicknmania]

Just in case this adds to the calcium theory, I forgot to mention that she trembles frequently. We always just assumed it was probably becuase she was afraid of everytning bigger than her. I know that arthritis can cause trembling, so maybe osteoporosis can, too? Just thought I'd throw that in, for what it's worth. Thanks again.

 

[chicknmania]

fyi, I googled osteoporosis in chickens and came up with some interesting information. It brought up a reference to "malabsorption syndrome" and/ or "runting syndrome"...usually found in broilers, but anyway the symptoms include what I already described, as it causes osteoporosis, and additionally trembling,poor feathering, and, of course, poor growth. We discovered today she is missing a large patch of feathers on her breast It has to do with genetics but there was some reference to a virus too which at that point I was getting over my head. It is treatable, by vitamin supplements and antibiotic to combat secondary infections, according to the article I read. I forget what the link is but I will try to go back to look for it, and include it later.

If she is already on chick starter should I try the vitamin capsules? I also have Aviacharge, should I try that?