Why is my chick's leg like this, and why is it hurt now?

[Shunky]

About a week ago my two hens hatched a chick. The little thing is really hurt though, and it had to have just happened today. His right leg is all purple, deep red, and semi-swollen. He won't walk on it, will eat a bit, and refuses to drink any water. He keep just lying there and the two hens aren't staying as close as normal to him and are kind of pushing him away. I think they know he's hurt but think nhe won't survive. Please help, I'll post pictures as soon as I can, but are there any suggestions on what it is and how to fix it? He's the first chick we've ever had a chicken hatch and we'd really like to not have to put him out of his misery.... please help!!!

 

[mississippifarmboy]

I'd like to help, but without a picture it's hard to really give any advise.

Maybe someone else will chime in and help soon.

Good luck

 

[Axle Quails]

Yeah some pictures might help

 

[ChestnutRidge]

I don't think he can post pictures yet, with only six posts.

Perhaps you can (a) hurry up and make a few more posts to get up to *ten*, and then add your pictures (here are directions) or (b) put your pictures on Facebook or something similar, make your settings to that all can see, and post the link here.

Best of luck!

 

[ChestnutRidge]

Is it like any of these?
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=4703274
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=399725#p399725

 

[Shunky]

I'm a she, but thanks for the concern! Here is the link, and it's gotten a tiny bit better that earlier, and he's taught himself to hop around a bit on one leg, though it seems to tire him out and he rests quite frequently. His two moms are now resting happily with him on their two new eggs that they are trying to hatch, allowing the poor little thing to rest some.....
http://i781.photobucket.com/albums/yy96/Shunkygirl99/GEDC1595.jpg
Html here....
<a href="http://s781.photobucket.com/albums/yy96/Shunkygirl99/?action=view&amp;current=GEDC1595.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i781.photobucket.com/albums/yy96/Shunkygirl99/GEDC1595.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
And image if it works.

 

[Dutchgirl]

My only guess is that possibly he/she was pecked or somehow bent his/her leg.

 

[MissJenny]

Hi -- Welcome. Make her drink something. It looks like a bruise... Do the mamas have more chicks, or is this a lonely-only? If there are more chicks, separate it with a friend for a day till it gets it's balance. It's easier all around if it has a friend -- easier for the interim and easier to slip back into the clutch... but only keep it out for as short a time as possible. Once she is back to running around, or at least fairly stable, put her back in with her family.

I just read your post with the photo -- is this a first hatch for these Mamas? It is hard for them to concentrate on hatching AND be attentive to the first hatchling. I once had a hen step on the first hatchling -- she was so used to stationary eggs and then there was this thing moving... she lost her balance... oops

If you have infant's Poly-vi-sol vitamins WITHOUT iron, put a drop in a small cap-full of water (I use little ramekins, but you can use the cap to a jar. Dip her beak in and she'll drink. (If it's very new out of the egg it won't yet need to drink... give it a few hours.

The mamas might reject her and you'll have to raise her on her own, or with a friend. But keep an eye on her, the Mamas are busy.

Good luck -- it is worrisome, isn't it?

Jenny

 

[buildingmyark]

Exactly what MissJenny said! And Welcome to BYC!!!! Hope your baby gets to feeling better soon. The Poly-Vi-Sol (w/out iron) as she suggested always seems to work miracles for my chicks.

 

[earnhardtlvr]

Oh that poor little baby fuzzybutt! I hope she gets better soon!