What should I watch for? (Special needs?)

[lexiiefur27]

We picked up ten chicks from TSC a week ago and as they have grown one of the two bantams has some odd traits
I noticed the first issue with its right eye almost immediately, swollen and goopy
It’s gotten better but now it’s very obvious that the eye is not right
I also am now noticing some slight cross beak, eating and drinking fine, but now I can see that it cannot fully close it’s mouth
Lastly, I have noticed it has extra toes!
I love all my little chickies, but I have no experience with any of them needing extra care
Is there anything I should watch out for as this bird ages?

 

[azygous]

Genetic abnormalities in a chick can indicate internal abnormalities as well. Watch for a lag in growth by comparing it to the other chicks. This shows up quickly as chicks normally double in size every week.

Watch for signs of weakness due to not processing calories efficiently. This will manifest is the chick hogging the heat zone and often standing still and nodding off holding its wings away from its body and down low.

Such a chick can also face digestive issues such as constipation and pasty butt. So you may need to step in with special feedings and treatment of health issues as they arise.

If your chick is behaving normally as the other chicks do, you have nothing to worry about unless you start to see the symptoms I mentioned.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I have a special needs bird, she's 2 years old but has had a few health scares and continues to have minor on and off issues (like chronic bumblefoot as she has extra toes but they're deformed). Assuming you're willing to deal with the challenge (and that there's not additional internal issues), no reason this bird can't make it. You will need to keep an eye on her to make sure she can eat, which may include regular beak maintenance, and to make sure she isn't getting bullied by the other birds (mine holds her own in the flock and does not get bullied despite her oddities).