Day old Chick with Foot Injury: possible broken Toe?

[MaggieRae]

I just picked the chicks up about an hour ago and noticed that, besides the usual ungainliness, the bantam silkie seems to have a broken toe and has difficulty moving around. Is there anything I can do? I'll continue searching the forum, but I figured I might get a better/faster reply if I posted it here.
Thanks for any assistance or info!
Below is a picture of the injury.

 

[chicmom]

I would straighten that toe out and put some vet wrap around it, or even a bandaid would help. It's kind of hard to see in your pic....

 

[MommaOrp]

You could try splinting it, make sure you do it sooner rather than later while the bones are still soft. Failing that just wait and see, sometimes they right themselves. We had a silkie chick with a funny leg, it was a late hatch and chicks are prone to leg problems when late. She died after 3 weeks as she couldnt maneuver to get to her food and water properly, even though we hand reared her. Your should be fine if you nip it in the bud! best of luck

 

[MaggieRae]

Quote:
Thanks so much for the reply! I've got some vet wrap out in the truck. I'll go get it and see if he'll let me at it... He's really small. Is there any kind of method to this? I'm afraid it'll fall right off.

Also, they seem really thirsty. Is that bad? All the chicks I've had previously weren't this thirsty...
I'll just blame it on the hot texas weather.

 

[chickensioux]

You can bandage it by placing a bandaid or tape face up, place the foot on the tape/bandaid and position the toes properly and then place another bandaid/tape over that. Gently adhere the bandage all around and between the toes. Cut off any excess around the foot but leave it between the toes. It will look like a little shoe. This will offer some support and keep the toes immobile. Leave that on for about 4-5 days and then replace if nec. If it gets wet or very dirty, you may have to change it more but try not to. Try not to manipulate the toe too much. Soak the foot if nec. to gently remove it to replace it. Good luck.

 

[chickensioux]

Quote:
Thanks so much for the reply! I've got some vet wrap out in the truck. I'll go get it and see if he'll let me at it... He's really small. Is there any kind of method to this? I'm afraid it'll fall right off.

Also, they seem really thirsty. Is that bad? All the chicks I've had previously weren't this thirsty...
I'll just blame it on the hot texas weather.

I would have water available 24/7. They do drink alot.

 

[MaggieRae]

Ok, I made a little chicken boot for him as chickensioux suggested, but I didn't get the toe completely straight. Is that okay? He's very active, and with the boot, he's falling a lot less. The "boot" is definitely keeping the toe from rolling underneath him again though.
I really appreciate all y'alls help!!!

 

[chickensioux]

It will probably be fine. I wouldn't take it off to readjust. Just keep an eye on him, it sounds like you did great.

 

[MaggieRae]

I walked over after going to the kitchen for a few moments, and the baby had fallen on his back and couldn't get up. I picked him up and set him right, but he was still really lethargic. Still is now. I'm a bit worried for him. I'm hoping it's just stress from the shipment...

 

[carrlr]

If she's that unstable make sure you add marbles to the water dish or keep it elevated a lil. Chicks have been know to drown themselves.