I resciently got a batch of chicks from my pet chicken. One has a leg the sticks out to the side. She gets around ok and the others are not picking on her. I think she is my Blue Hamburg chick. I am worried about her when its time to release the chicks in with the pullets. I am afraid the older birds will pick on her.
Does any one know of anything i can do to her her leg? Can i splint her leg? SO far she is eating good and get get around very quickly if she needs to, but if i can help her get that leg under hersefl better, i would like to try. She seems to be a strong will little bird.
you can try splinting the leg by using a q-tip and binding it with surgical tape(if the q-tip is too big cut it to size and put a tiny piece of cotton over the ends to keep it from poking into the chickens skin),make sure that you do not wrap it too tightly. Or if the chicken is larger try using a popsicle stick. Do not press the surgical tape tightly against the skin. you just want it to bind the support good. After about a week or so... or once you notice that the chick is able to support its leg carefully remove the tape by using fine, sharp scissors. Or you can use a thin strip of cloth and wrap around the support and tie in a simple knot. Is there any discoloration to the leg? like is any part of it looking like it is lacking in adequate blood flow? If so, then the leg may be broken and in that case there isn't really a whole lot you can do as infection can set in easily then and the animal more than likely will succumb to the infection.
sherry
bend in the high desert
oregon
USA
3775 Posts
Posted - Aug 07 2010 : 08:04:57 AM
these are all good ideas. remember with chickens if she shows weakness the others will pick on her. i would separate till she is well. especially if you are going to put them in with older pullets. just my thoughts happy days sherrye
the learn as we go silk purse farm farm girl #1014
chick with bum leg
Posted - Aug 06 2010 : 8:31:26 PM
