i have a buff show silkie chick, she/he is only 2 days old, but his feet curl under her/her. he is just a energetic as the other ones are, but he walks with he toes folded under his feet. it was the only one of my shows that hatched so i really need him. i can hold his feet in there proper postion, but when i let go they go back to the way they were. he hatched himself, no help was needed. so i haven't a clue why he is like this. should i put a splint on so they grow straight?
Rachel,
Rachel, Go for the food additive, but also, if the toes do not straighten in another day or two, make a stickytape shoe (triangle shape so little overhangs) and place the toes in proper position. The reinforced package mailing tape works pretty well, and in two days, the toes should hold their position. Repeat for a couple more days, if not. In another day, you will never know the chick had a problem! Good luck. CJR
please help,
rachel
By Aram_Seattle on Sunday, April 14, 2002 - 01:53 pm:
Immidiately get some riboflavin into it. By some beef liver, make really small chunks and offer it to them. My silkie chicks eat it without further encouragement, but if yours don't, open its mouth, put it at the bottom of the mouth, close it and then massage the neck where you put the meat. Works like magic.
I feed it to them as a preventative measure. My broiler crawled from side to side yesterday with currled feet, and today, after the treatment he is already getting up. By the way, your feed must be aged, go and get some fresh chick food, better yet, get gamebird feed. It is the same consistency as chick starter, but no unnecesary medication.
By Cjeanr on Sunday, April 14, 2002 - 08:17 pm: