How long until curly toes get better?

[Just Rosie]

Hello, I recently picked up a chick after a long chicken hiatus. At the feed store was a lone chick on its back, who could barely walk. The owner ended up giving it to me since he didn't think it would survive.
Well, after some research, based on the chicks behavior and actions, I believe it has curled toes. It has been walking on its hocks, refusing to stand on feet which are slightly turned inward.
I did try boots for 3 days, to no avail, did some more research, and decided (with my vet) that it is a riboflavin deficiency.
My question is, how long after the first few upped doses of riboflavin can I expect to start seeing improvement? I'm sure every chick is different, but if you've had this issue, how long did it take to clear up or at least start to? I'm just worried that if I wait too long, and it ends up being something else, the chick will permanently walk on its hocks.
The chick still had its egg tooth when I got it, and that was about 4 days ago, to give you an idea about how old it is.
Thanks in advanced for your replies!

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

Welcome to BYC! I’ve never had this problem but I’ll tah some people who might be able to help. @Folly's place @lazy gardener @Pyxis @chickens really @drumstick diva Can you post some pictures of the chick please?

 

[Just Rosie]

Thanks for replying I've attached a couple of pictures to show the actual toes/legs, and then two photos to show that it naturally rests on its hocks and tries to walk on them.
I'm currently hand feeding it to ensure it gets enough (it didn't seem interested in food and water bowls even though I'm sure it had been a day or two without water)
I'm feeding it a mixture of mannapro medicated chick starter, poultry booster vitamin supplements meant for in feed, Sav-a-chik electrolytes and water, to make a kind of mush for it to eat. It has access to fresh chick starter and water at all times.

 

[1TurkenLover]

Vitamin Def, B12 what I'm doing for Curved toes Pullet: found @ Poultry Auction: as is Now, Unknown IF she was same as Chick, or this is Adult issue. .. Hen Inside Coop / Run , Put on 1ml of Liquid Vit B/12 Daily dose, as well as Multi vitamin Mix in Water. It took almost 2 weeks B4 I noticed Changes,. For chick I've no clue, Most Cull after a
time. Do your reserch. decide for Chick Quality of life.

View attachment 1204240

 

[lazy gardener]

If, with the vitamin supplements, and hand feeding, you don't see any improvement in 3 days, I would give it a quick merciful culling.

 

[sylviethecochin]

x2. Riboflavin supplements work quickly or not at all. After three days, the sciatic nerve has probably suffered permanent damage. You could try physical therapy, but at four days old, your chances are low.

Sorry.

 

[Just Rosie]

Thanks everyone for your replies. I really really hope the chick starts improving. Could you give me some examples of physical therapy I can try? Is there a way to tell if there's damage to the nerve?

 

[sylviethecochin]

Thanks everyone for your replies. I really really hope the chick starts improving. Could you give me some examples of physical therapy I can try? Is there a way to tell if there's damage to the nerve?

Take the chick's toes and stretch them and the leg out straight, flexing repeatedly, and let them get some air. Then put them back in whatever brace you're using to hold them straight. Do this several times a day. Getting the chick used to the idea of using his feet rather than his hocks is essential, which is why I'm saying stretch the legs as well. There's a rather clever idea on here about using a plastic cottage cheese container and some cloth as a sort of sling.

And the only way to tell if there is permanent damage to the sciatic nerve is to see whether it heals or not.

Good luck.

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

I hope the chick pulls through.