06/11/2026
Answered a fb post about a chick hatched out in a classroom, with splay leg. It was either find someone to try & give it a chance or to head to a farm to cull.
Without any information or seeing the chick, I went to scoop it up, as I was in the area anyways.
The splay looked better than I imagined upon first sight. Although, upon further investigation when home, it looked to have an issue at the hock/knee joint area. Whether a break or an injured tendon, it wasn't looking great. I wonder if this is something that can be "corrected" especially at 2 weeks old.
It was placed into a brooder by itself. While I hate to have a solo chick, trampling or other risks outweigh this. I placed shelf liner on the floor, to help the chick have better traction to get around. It hops around on 1 leg just fine.
It is eating and drinking, and with some rest, used the leg. The foot is also working well.
So, now we wait. The patience this has brought me!
I do not know the future of this chick. One other similar chick I once cared for, eventually perished from it. Although I do know its likelihood of life has greatly increased.
If there is a heartbeat there is hope! So, I will try for you little baby! ☺️
