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Post by ikbokchook on Jul 25, 2010 18:30:49 GMT 8
I had some chicks hatch today and one has a leg that just sticks right out in front. Is this splayed leg? I've never had one like this before and seems otherwise extremely healthy and tries to get around but can only kinda scoot about. I know of the 'band aid' solution, but am unsure about where and how to place the bandaid. The leg looks fine except for no weight is able to be taken at the top - it also feels like it is in the right place (hip joint)?? Thanks!
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Post by jacquie on Jul 25, 2010 19:54:35 GMT 8
this can be one variation of splayed leg, but the fact that the leg is sticking outto the front does not bode well. it is worth trying to save the chick with the bandaid method, you put it on between teh feet and the "knee" and see what happens.
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Post by shea on Jul 25, 2010 20:50:22 GMT 8
good with the little one, hope 'she' recovers with the bandaid method.
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Post by whoohooraloo on Jul 26, 2010 13:52:50 GMT 8
I used pipe cleaners when I had this problem. Had no idea where to put it so I put it above the knee. Did the trick couldn't tell after a few weeks which chicks had the problem to start with. Good luck!!
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Post by ikbokchook on Jul 26, 2010 15:46:08 GMT 8
Thank you! I've put a bandaid on how you suggested Jacquie - cheers! It looks like it's getting around a little better today, but the leg just keeps slipping out in front Whoohooraloo - how did you put the pipe cleaner on? I think it needs more support on the top bit of the leg, but I don't want to rip all it's fluff out mucking around with a bandaid! Thanks
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Post by whoohooraloo on Jul 26, 2010 15:58:28 GMT 8
That's what I found with the bandaid or sticky tape one side would fall off and then the other wouldn't come off with out ripping the little hairy legs. I got hubby to hold then wrapped the pipe cleaner around the top of each leg with about about a cm between to form a hobble, tight enough to stay on but not to cut in, The Chick carried on but we ignored the comotion for the greater good. First day had to keep standing them up when they fell over (the peeps let you know when they have) but by next day they were up and about on their own and after a couple of days I took them off, they walked a little funny (seemed high) but after a bit couldn't tell. If I have the problem again that's what i will do.
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Post by ikbokchook on Jul 27, 2010 21:37:42 GMT 8
Thanks whoohooraloo! Have the pipe cleaner thngy on since yesterday and chick not falling over quite so much today, but wasn't sure it would make it through the night Seems much better today though! Still not quite right, but still alive and able to hobble about a bit! How long did it take for yours to start walking on their own? How long did you leave the pipe cleaner on for? (assuming it perks up a bit more!)
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Post by whoohooraloo on Jul 28, 2010 12:39:53 GMT 8
Can't exactly remember but it wasn't long. Try when it seems to be getting around and see how it goes. you can always put it back on. Once it's eating and drinking should get more energy.
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Post by ikbokchook on Jul 30, 2010 20:49:08 GMT 8
Ok, I took the 'hobble' off today and the wee bugger looks like nothing was ever wrong! ;D Thank you soooo much! I'd REALLY like to know though, does anyone know the reason for this??! It almost seems impossible! I was SURE the poor wee mite was going to die, and now it's scratching around with the best of them! Thanks again! ;D (I'm sooo happy! )
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Post by whoohooraloo on Jul 31, 2010 17:09:15 GMT 8
That's great news ikbokchook. Reason? i looked it up when it happened to me and it could have been a) humidity not right b) too long in egg c) genetic d) who knows? So could be any or all of these. I'm just glad it turned out to be an easy thing to fix.
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tona
Full Member
Posts: 119
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Post by tona on Aug 8, 2010 14:46:10 GMT 8
I had a splay leg that died last batch and it was the only one that hatched out of 45. It is a new bator and it was my first batch. With the help of the people on here we realised it was the humididty causing the splay legs.. I have a humidity gauge now and as soon as I got it to the right level I realised how bad the humidity had been on my first batch and it is no wonder they died.. My next batch is due this thursday so I am hoping for a bumper batch with no splay legs.. When I rang the WA poultry equipt to order the humidity gauge he told me that it is the number one reason for splay legs, and he told me (as did people on here) to keep the humidity at 50% for the first 2 weeks and 70% for the last week... Hope this helps...
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