Deformed feet - A lost cause?

[chikn]

Hi all!
I ended up picking up a sweet soon to be killed 4-day old chick with deformed feet hoping I can save it. It looks really bad. I put band aids on it yesterday to uncurl the toes but don't see any improvement in 1 day when I changed them.

Its almost like her ankle is bent into position. Is it a lost cause or do you think it can be fixed?

Pic attached.

 

[Jaromo99]

It may be a little old to fix it, but a piece of cardboard in a paddle shape and band aids could help. It would probably have to wear it for about a week, but I'd recommend taking it off and making up a new "paddle" everyday so that it doesn't cause growth problems. We have a hen that had this when she was tiny, but the people we got her from didn't try fixing it until she was almost 6 weeks old. She's okay today, we just need to help her up the coop ladder.

 

[lazy gardener]

All you can do is try. Work to get the foot positioned as well as you can, then in a few days, remove the splint and re-assess. The next splint (and you should put one on, even if you don't think it's needed) can work to correct the deformity even more. As you say, it looks more like ankle than toes, so you may not be able to position it correctly. If it can't be fixed to give the chick good mobility, I'd consider culling. Don't ever allow that chick to produce babies. Also, I'd suggest that you get that chick on Poultry Nutri-Drench. Does the chick have a buddy? Not good to be alone.

 

[chikn]

Update: She can now stand up and walk like a normal chicken. Escaping death, she will now be the prettiest hen on the block. After no avail, I broke down and took her to an avian vet (just when you think you have no soul... You just cant cull) who put little snow shoes on. After the vet bill, I don't know if the moral of the story is "never give up" or "just let it go!!", but at least we now know that it can be done and that itself may save future chicks that are born with such an ill fate. For updates and the process, you can see it on instagram @texas_veggie_garden thanks for all yor help!!