Week old chick with injured leg

[taylorgirl6]

One of my chicks is injured. I didn't expect her to live through the night, but she did, so I need some help with how to get her better.

I accidentally dropped a board into the brooder box last night. Five chicks scurried away, Winona got hit. I thought her neck was broken. She went limp and was peeping softly. I picked her up and brought her in to the house to get a good look at her, and she began to perk up a little. I think she was in shock. I separated her from the others but kept her under a heat lamp overnight. Now she's in the house, again under the heat lamp. She's very quiet and looks exhausted. I do not know if she has drunk water or eaten food, so I thought I could cook her a bit of oatmeal. Is this okay to feed her?

I understand that chicks are very frail at this age, so I'll understand if the best recommendations I get are to humanely end her life, but as long as she is trying to live and stand and move around, I don't feel right killing her. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Robin

 

[Marie1234]

If the injury is to her leg you may be able to splint it with tooth pick & tape approach. You may be looking at having to hold her to the feed and water yourself every hour or so for the next few days. As much as they seem frail they do heal very fast as long as the injury is not internal or to the head.
Good luck to you and the chick.

 

[chookchick]

Yes, they have amazing healing powers. I would build her a little "corner" of the brooder for her own, out of a piece of hardware cloth. That way she can see and hear the flock, and it should perk her up. Make sure that part of the light is over her corner, give her a little dish of food and water, and a stuffed animal to cuddle with. I would feed her crumble mixed with plain yogurt, or some cooked egg yolk, if you want to give her a boost (no sugar in water or food!) oatmeal does not have a lot of protein. If she is not drinking, try putting a drop by her beak and see if she will slurp it in. You may have to encourage her to eat and drink often. Hopefully in a couple of days she will be begging to get out and join the others!