What to do about a crooked toe on 1 - 2 day old chick

[Big Red's Mom]

I have just noticed while checking on my new arrivals that one of the chicks has a crooked toe. It is the center toe and bends to the side at the joint. It seams to not mind...Running around, eating, drinking, sleeping like all the rest....Just wanted to know if I needed to do something now or just watch it.....Does not look swollen.

Thank you for any and all help.

 

[Chicken Little Farmer]

it is usually the cause of humidity problems..to low or to high... that sort of thing..My friend has some that have that, and they are just fine. They are about twelve weeks, so i really wouldnt worry about it. there is really nothing you can do about it. Ihave heard you can put some kind of vitamin in the water though...not sure wich

 

[emvickrey]

I had that problem with several chicks when I hatched this winter. What I did is I used the tape from bandaids and put one on top and one on bottom of toes and made sure they where in the correct position for standing. I gave a small drop of vitamins once a day for 3 days. I checked the toes by removing the tape very carefully. I used sone pointy small scissors and tweezers to remove it. Sometimes I had to soak the foot in warm water. All my little babies have straight toes now. It usually took 3 to 4 days to fix. A few took longer.

It's not an easy thing to do either and it takes patience. Took me an hour the first chick I did but I became a pro after a while.

 

[Big Red's Mom]

Quote:
Thank you...I only have one at this point and I will try anything....I am off to do a chick splint now....Thank you again.

 

[Happy Chooks]

Quote:
That's what I did too. Works well.

I find it's easier if you put it on the bottom of the foot first. Then you can adjust the toe in the way you want it, then put the top part over. And taking it off is tricky.