Poor baby, my little egg number 8, the Lavender Silkie, has a splayed leg. The right leg is not working properly. Since the baby was born, the leg was floppy. Today, it is two days old and the leg is jutting out to the side. I discovered that sometimes, trauma or hatching can injure the legs. I needed to create a hobble splint in order to try and save the chick’s life. I gathered my materials.
Some websites recommend using bandaids, masking tape or pipe cleaners. I found one that recommends using this type of adhesive bandage. It is not too sticky to tug at and stick on feathers. The best part was that I just happened to have some in my first aid kit at home. Here is what I did:
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| I unrolled the flexible fabric-like tape. |
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| I cut a 1/4″ piece lengthwise |
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| I fastened the tape around the chick’s legs as shown (you may add plastic tape where the ends attach for reinforcement) |
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| Here is number 8 standing tall. |
I am hoping that this does the trick and corrects the foot problem over the course of the next week. The chick continues to eat and drink and move around the brooder as best as it can. Unfortunately, if I am not successful, the chick will have to be euthanized. I don’t even want to think about that for one minute. Please keep number 8 in your chicken prayers.
Photos credits: Tilly’s Nest, GuineaFowl
8 thoughts on “Splayed Leg”
Awwww. Poor little Eight. But it sounds like you did exactly what needs to be done. I'll keep my fingers crossed, and say a little prayer. You're a good chicken mommy.
Thank you! I am a wreck over this little baby chick!
OMG, I'm so sorry to hear that. I'm praying that little #8, the beautiful Lavender Silkie, stays strong. You did a terrific job as Medic Mom!
Hoping for the best!
I am just a complete wreck! I know it's just a chick, but if you know me, I feel for it so much!
My girls are five months old. At birth, Babee had a deformed foot. The three toes are bent at the knuckle. I trim the toe nails so they don't touch the other toe, but I have noticed a slight limp when she walks. I can straighten the toes out without her indicating any pain, but I can see where the knuckle will continue to be a significient pressure point. Any suggestions? I was going to talk to my vet, but I am afraid of the trauma to her.
Most hens can do just fine with some foot problems as you described. I would chat with your vet and see if you can come up with a splinting technique that might be able to help her keep some of the pressure off that knuckle. It might not be too late to correct. Good luck and please keep me posted..
Does this work on older juveniles that are no longer little chicks (3 months-4 months old?
No, sadly it does not. By the time they are months old it is unable to be corrected. 🙁