| Author |
Barnyard Buddies:  question about chicken's foot  |
|
|
rebeccah
Farmgirl at Heart
7 Posts
Rebecca
Snow Hill
NC
USA
7 Posts |
 Posted - Sep 01 2010 : 4:02:52 PM
|
Hi,
I'm new to raising chickens. I have a 8 week old salmon favorelle with a toe that has suddenly bent to the side. I just noticed it today. Could she have broken or hurt it? She's walking fine, but her toe is curled to the side instead of straight like the others. Has anyone had any experience with this, or happen to know what could have caused it.
Thanks! Rebecca |
|
|
rschaaf
True Blue Farmgirl
174 Posts
Renee
Wooster
Ohio
USA
174 Posts |
Posted - Sep 01 2010 : 6:24:03 PM
|
She may have injured it. What kind of bedding is she on? Something she could have gotten her toe caught on? Don't they have feathered feet?
I had an Aracauna chick that had a crooked toe from about 3 days on. She mangaged fine with it. The only problem was she didn't wear down her nail on that foot and I would have to trim it once in a while. Just make sure it's not cut or damaged (like the skin) in any way and inspect it frequently. If she's not favoring it, I would just keep an eye on it and her.
"There is beauty, there is grace, in my peaceful country place!"
See what I'm up to at: http://www.lifeonctfarm.blogspot.com |
 |
|
|
rebeccah
Farmgirl at Heart
7 Posts
Rebecca
Snow Hill
NC
USA
7 Posts |
Posted - Sep 01 2010 : 7:00:25 PM
|
| We built nesting boxes with perches for our chickens, but they insist on perching on top of them where there is only a very thin ledge. I'm afraid she may have hurt it that way. Tonight I went out and found a branch and wedged it in place hoping they will use it until I can fix them a new perch. The one we built is only 6 inches off the floor of the coop, I guess they want to be higher up. We have cedar shavings in their coop right now. |
|
|
|
rschaaf
True Blue Farmgirl
174 Posts
Renee
Wooster
Ohio
USA
174 Posts |
Posted - Sep 02 2010 : 12:44:58 PM
|
Yes. Find something they can wrap their foot around comfortably. I use old wooden ladders and cut them in 4-5 foot lengths and lean them against the wall of the coop at around a 45 degree angle. Some use it. For some reason mine all like to huddle together on the floor, even when it's hot out. It's like they never got away from doing that when they were babies or something.
I assume that she is still doing ok?
"There is beauty, there is grace, in my peaceful country place!"
See what I'm up to at: http://www.lifeonctfarm.blogspot.com |
|
|
|
windypines
True Blue Farmgirl
4538 Posts
Michele
Bruce
Wisconsin
USA
4538 Posts |
Posted - Sep 02 2010 : 1:07:00 PM
|
I did splint a chicks foot this spring. It was wanting to curl up on it. She only had it on for a few days acutally, but it worked. I couldn't tell which chick it was after a week.
Good iuck with it
Michele |
|
|
|
rebeccah
Farmgirl at Heart
7 Posts
Rebecca
Snow Hill
NC
USA
7 Posts |
Posted - Sep 02 2010 : 4:14:00 PM
|
| She seems to be doing fine. I have found something more substantial for her to perch on. Her side toe still curls out. Do you think I should splint it since it is only the one toe? |
|
|
|
rschaaf
True Blue Farmgirl
174 Posts
Renee
Wooster
Ohio
USA
174 Posts |
Posted - Sep 02 2010 : 8:27:23 PM
|
You could try and see. It may be more of a hinderance to her and the others my want to "investigate" by pecking at it (the splint). I would just leave it alone. Animals are great at adapting to disabilities, much more than us.
"There is beauty, there is grace, in my peaceful country place!"
See what I'm up to at: http://www.lifeonctfarm.blogspot.com |
|
|
| |
Barnyard Buddies: question about chicken's foot |
|
question about chicken's foot
