Baby chick has polymelia

[Philipwharris]

My wife saw a chick in a store with polymelia and it was on it's back being picked on. Naturally she bought it. She wants to know if there is a way to tell if a week old chick is in pain

 

[Eggcessive]

Welcome to BYC. Is it able to stand or walk? Why is it so wet looking? Can you give it a few drops of Poultry NutriDrench? It is a vitamin/electrolyte tonic that is helpful to revive weak chicks. Do you have it under a heat source? If it cannot stand, you can try placing it in a lined and padded cup, or make it a chick chair. I would try to get it drinking and see if it can get to some chick feed spilled around it’s feet on some paper towel. Check it’s vent for any poop. When chicks are born with deformities, there can be other internal deformaties that may kill it. But it is worth trying to help it.

 

[cleoandtheflock]

Usually they can adapt to the it
Can the chick walk or stand
Does it seem to chirp alot
I don’t think it causes pain to the chick
Also I don’t think the chick is a week old

 

[Philipwharris]

Just gave it a bath because the vents are on each side in between the leg pairs. She can walk, eat, drink, and have poop run down her sides. She is chirping constantly. She also knows to forage for food. The others picked on her for about 10 min then accepted her and will cuddle her. the back pair of legs are useless.

 

[Philipwharris]

Usually they can adapt to the it
Can the chick walk or stand
Does it seem to chirp alot
I don’t think it causes pain to the chick
Also I don’t think the chick is a week old

It walks fine. It is always chirping and when it does it's back butt twitch's. She was told on the 20 she came from last Wednesday shipment.

 

[Eggcessive]

I have read about and seen chickens with 2 functioning vents who made it to egg laying age, but have not seen 2 vents with 2 sets of legs. It is always good to document things like this with pictures if you can get any, for anyone in the future that has the same problem. That is good that she is getting around well. I wonder if it might be good to try and remove the 2 extra legs if they are useless.

 

[Philipwharris]

I have read about and seen chickens with 2 functioning vents who made it to egg laying age, but have not seen 2 vents with 2 sets of legs. It is always good to document things like this with pictures if you can get any, for anyone in the future that has the same problem. That is good that she is getting around well. I wonder if it might be good to try and remove the 2 extra legs if they are useless.

We talk to 3 different vets who were all concerned about possible nerve damage or paralyzing the functional pair of legs as well as risk of infection.

 

[Eggcessive]

I would go with that advice. Let us know how she is getting along periodically or if you need any help.

 

[Philipwharris]

We will

 

[Philipwharris]

She passed on sunday