Webbed feet

[WVduckchick]

I also remember the "Chuck" thread. Never did figure out what happened there.

 

[sourland]

I have had chicks with tightly webbed toes, and have cut the webs shortly after hatching. That chick is fairly good sized, and webbing is not all that extensive. If the webbing does not impede the chick, I would not cut the webs as it is actually somewhat painful. I believe it is a hereditary condition, and such birds should not be used for reproduction. I eliminated an entire strain of birds because of this.

 

[DratzDurpen]

Ok I feel dumb but what's a toe punch?

 

[sourland]

A toe punch is a small instrument (think paper punch) that removes a small circular portion from a bird's web. Using varying locations and numbers of punches birds can be identified as to parentage.

 

[aart]

what's a toe punch?

toe punch

 

[Ravynscroft]

It is a genetic defect, and it is hereditary just like @sourland mentioned... if it's a breeder bird, best to cull... if a pet, then keep it...

If you are going to clip it at all, do it asap... later once it is bigger will be harder on the bird and much messier...

Ask @Alaskan about 'fused toes'... that's what this is, just not as severe as both toes completely glued together...

 

[Alaskan]

Ask @Alaskan about 'fused toes'... that's what this is, just not as severe as both toes completely glued together...

Yes, Rav. has a great memory. There is a fused toe gene that I think is paired with the two side toes being a bit short, and it is common in Marans.

It is best to cut it NOW (at hatch would have been better). The longer you wait the more blood flow there is.

Use very sharp very clean scissors. As soon as you cut it apply pressure for 20 minutes. I know. That is long... but 20 minutes with no peeking.

Then you can peek. There might still be a bit of oozing, but it shouldn't be bad. The toes might have already started getting stuck in the "closer together than we should be" position. So I would make a shoe for the chick with blue painters tape. This will get the toes to learn to grow spread out, AND will stop any blood oozing, as well as any redness that might talk other chicks into attacking. So when you apply the tape, push the toes into a nice proper chick toe position. Make sure they are taped with a perfect toe position.

After 2 days... maybe 3 since she is so old... you can take off the shoe, and it should be good to go.

 

[Ravynscroft]

Thanks, Alaskan!

 

[aart]

Great!
Now I know who the feet experts are.....if I only remember.

 

[Alaskan]

Great!
Now I know who the feet experts are.....if I only remember.

I even had one chick that hatched with not only the webbing, but the toe tips fused.