Chick hatched with deformed feet

[gtaus]

her leg is twisted and I thought that may be her bone. And her leg is super inflamed.

You did such a great job on straightening out the toes of the feet, I was hoping for better news. Poor chick. I hope it makes it. That new picture looks not good. Do you think the bones are out of place? Is it possible to reset the bone? Maybe put a temporary splint on it while it heals? Just shooting out ideas.....

 

[Eggcessive]

I would not do any splinting because the skin has a scab, and I would leave splints and tape off, and let her heal. Leg and foot problems can lead to premature culling and death in chicks, but some can get along with a disability. They may need some extra care along the way, and if they cannot get food and water, many choose to cull them. It is always a personal decision how to deal with these.

 

[aart]

if they cannot get food and water, many choose to cull them.

That's my way.
Even if they can eat and drink, chicks with hatching deformities that are visible also may have others that are not visible.

 

[gtaus]

Leg and foot problems can lead to premature culling and death in chicks, but some can get along with a disability. They may need some extra care along the way, and if they cannot get food and water, many choose to cull them. It is always a personal decision how to deal with these.

Yes, as I first posted, I would be inclined to cull this chick because I don't have the time and/or energy to deal with a sick chick when I have so many others that are healthy and also need my attention. But I expect some loss and over 50+ years of raising small animals, I know my limits on what I can offer and when it makes more sense for me and the animal to cull.

If OP has the desire to try to help this chick, I'll support that decision too. Hoping for a good outcome, whatever that ends up being.

 

[gtaus]

I would not do any splinting because the skin has a scab, and I would leave splints and tape off, and let her heal.

I defer to the BYC educator(s) for their advice and treatment options.

 

[HoneyBeeHomestead]

Update on the chick...
She has learned to walk by using her leg and wing for balance, and she goes to her food and water all on her own. She is a bit smaller than the other chicks, and she doesn't move around as much, but she otherwise acts normal. I am a bit worried about her leg though, I have been putting antibiotic cream on it every day, but there is a large, red bump on her leg that hasn't gone away.

It looks like her leg popped out of place and is twisted inwards. Should I do anything else or just leave it?

 

[Eggcessive]

It sounds more and more like varus or valgus deformity, or a twisted tibia. The sore spot is concerning, and might need a cushion or a cover, but it may form a callous. There is something called Tegaderm, a kind of an artificial skin dressing that is very thin, and can be trimmed down to cover just her red spot. It wears off eventually, and will fall off, but it can help prevent blisters on skin. Here is where to find it:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000PYP5R4/?tag=backy-20

Here are some pics of varus or valgus deformity in one leg:

 

[Eggcessive]

Here is a picture of the Tegaderm bandage on how it is applied. It can be trimmed down to fit on just the red joint, and I would not wrap it around the leg so as not to cut off circulation. You could also use a piece of padded or water proof tape instead.