Help! Chick with wonky legs

[Timbers Happy Hens]

I have a chick that hatched last night, he hasn’t walked yet and he can’t seem to get his legs under him. He just kicks them straight out in front of him. When he does try and move the legs just kind of kick like he’s trying to scoot back. Any idea on how I can help him?

 

[LaFleche]

Has it pooped yet?
Sometimes they ingest too much albumen which occasionally makes it difficult for them to poop as the walls of their intestines can get stuck together.

 

[Timbers Happy Hens]

Has it pooped yet?
Sometimes they ingest too much albumen which occasionally makes it difficult for them to poop as the walls of their intestines can get stuck together.

I’m not sure. Would that prevent him from walking? Is there a way to fix that?

 

[Tanner123]

I have a chick that hatched last night, he hasn’t walked yet and he can’t seem to get his legs under him. He just kicks them straight out in front of him. When he does try and move the legs just kind of kick like he’s trying to scoot back. Any idea on how I can help him?

I'm not a pro, there's a lot smarter people on here than me, but maybe splay leg.

 

[LaFleche]

I’m not sure. Would that prevent him from walking? Is there a way to fix that?

Yes, if the chick cannot poop it is unable to stand and walk properly.

A little belly massage can help to get the digestion going. First check the umbilicus as it has to be completely closed. If it looks good, proceed to take the chick in your left hand, its head pointing towards your wrist, legs pointing towards your finger tips. Lower your palm to have it laying on its back with the head slightly raised and gently massage with your right hand towards the chick's legs giving it long gentle strokes.
The poop will come out in a rather explosive way and the chick needs some rest afterwards, but should be able to stand, walk and poop properly after about 30 minutes.

And in case it does not drink on its own, administer a few drops of water, just one drop at a time.

Edit: I am trying to find the video.

 

[Timbers Happy Hens]

I'm not a pro, there's a lot smarter people on here than me, but maybe splay leg.

I don’t think it’s splay bc the legs are straight out to the front, not to the sides. He can’t bring them in to his body. I’ve had a handful of splay babies and they were easy fixes with bands.

 

[Timbers Happy Hens]

Yes, if the chick cannot poop it is unable to stand and walk properly.

A little belly massage can help to get the digestion going. First check the umbilicus as it has to be completely closed. If it looks good, proceed to take the chick in your left hand, its head pointing towards your wrist, legs pointing towards your finger tips. Lower your palm to have it laying on its back with the head slightly raised and gently massage with your right hand towards the chick's legs giving it long gentle strokes.
The poop will come out in a rather explosive way and the chick needs some rest afterwards, but should be able to stand, walk and poop properly after about 30 minutes.

And in case it does not drink on its own, administer a few drops of water, just one drop at a time.

Edit: I am trying to find the video.

Thank you so much, I’ll be trying this as soon as I get home! Will update with results.

 

[Timbers Happy Hens]

Update: little guy just woke up from a nap and took a few steps before laying back down. He did poop a normal looking green hatchling poop during his belly massage. Will probably give him one more massage later tonight and update in the morning!

 

[Tanner123]

Yayyy! Praying the little one is doing better!

 

[LaFleche]

Update: little guy just woke up from a nap and took a few steps before laying back down. He did poop a normal looking green hatchling poop during his belly massage. Will probably give him one more massage later tonight and update in the morning!

Sounds promising, well done!

So the green looking poop after the belly massage must have been the first and it hopefully will be able to poop without help and start to walk properly.

Have you seen it drink yet?