baby black australorp won't use one leg

[mhmayer]

I picked up 3 baby chicks from my local store on Saturday. I had them on reserve and was told by the clerk that one of them had started having problems with one of her legs that day. First, I was surprised how small she was. I think she is a bantam and was mixed in by mistake with full size. She is 13 days old now and still smaller than my Rhode Island Reds that are 5 days old. The problem is she will not use her left foot. She keeps it in the air and hops from place to place. Sometimes it is shaking, but I think that is primarily because she is trying to keep her balance. She does not seem to be in pain. I did notice that the hock joint on that leg seems bigger than the one on the other leg. Any suggestions on what I can do to help her?

 

[Chickencrazycathy]

Can you get a picture of its legs?

 

[mhmayer]

Can you get a picture of its legs?

 

[mhmayer]

Can you get a picture of its legs?

Yes. I have posted those.

 

[Chickencrazycathy]

I'm surprised no one else has answered

I would definitely give Nutridretch or some other supplement

What bedding are you using in your brooder?

 

[Chickencrazycathy]

Also how much space is there per chick?

 

[mhmayer]

Also how much space is there per chick?

There is plenty of space - only 3 chicks in an extra long rubbermaid tub. I have pine shavings down with paper towels on top for her to walk on. At first I kept them separated, then she kept sneaking over to the side with the others. I keep an eye on them to make sure they aren't picking on her. The injury happened at the chicken store before I picked her up.

 

[mhmayer]

I'm surprised no one else has answered

I would definitely give Nutridretch or some other supplement

What bedding are you using in your brooder?

 

[mhmayer]

I have been giving her Sav-a-chick electrolyte and vitamin supplement for poultry.

 

[Chickencrazycathy]

Sav-a-chick is good.

I would feed scrambled eggs (for protien) and make sure it's eating and drinking properly.

It could just be a sprain or a vitamin deficiency.