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Raising baby chicks is a fun and rewarding experience. They are so cute and fluffy and watching them grow is a learning experience. Unfortunately, with raising baby chicks, you may have a few face some health issues such as spraddle leg, curled toes or pasty butt.
One of the common (and usually fixable) issues that a chick might face is spraddle leg which is also called splay leg. Here is how to identify and help fix splay or spraddle leg.
What is Splayed or spraddle Leg?
Splayed leg (also known as spraddle leg) is a condition that some chicks will develop. A chick that has splay leg (sometimes in one and sometimes in both legs) will look like it is doing a split or straddle.
The chick often times will have difficulty or be completely able to get their legs under them. Depending on how severe the condition is, they may be unable to walk.
What can cause Splay or spraddle Leg?
Causes of splay leg can be several things including incubation issues (temperature, humidity or getting stuck in the shell in an awkward position). Another cause is when chicks try to walk on too slick of a surface such as newspaper.
They will need a solid, textured bottom on their brooder.
How can you fix or correct Splay or spraddle Leg?
The fix is relatively simple, all you need is a band-aid, a pair of scissors, and a chick with splayed leg.
(You can also use vet wrap instead of a band-aid.)
1. You can use any type of band-aid you like. I prefer to use a cloth band-aid instead of a plastic band-aid. The cloth is more pliable and comes off more naturally when the chick is ready.
Take the band-aid and cut it in half lengthwise.
2. Wrap one end of the band-aid around the chicks leg at the knee joint. With Silkies, you have to make sure you do not wrap their fifth toe or leg feathering under the band-aid.
3. Repeat the process on the other leg and wrap the other end of the band-aid around the chicks other leg again at the knee joint.
4. The band-aid should keep the chicks legs under its body allowing it to walk and also helping the legs to re-position themselves correctly.
The chick will likely have trouble getting used to the brace. It will probably seem a little dramatic at first but it will learn to adjust.
5. Often times the chick will be unsteady while walking. Make sure it is able to get to food and water. We add marbles to the water in case it falls in to ensure it won’t get stuck and drown.
6. Leave the band-aid on until the chick is walking strongly enough that it pulls it off.
Rarely, a case of splayed leg is severe enough that this treatment will not work. If the initial treatment doesn’t work, just repeat the process again and it should work just fine.
Video Tutorial for how to correct splay leg
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For more on chickens:
Opal L Larson says
Regular livestock hobbles, the kind with a chain between the buckles, will work for horses and cows that have just given birth to a large colt/calf, and are having trouble rising to their feet again. Use the hobbles for about a week and they will walk fine with them and it will help them recover from the ordeal.
Syira says
hi, i did this to my chick but it does not want to stand up or walk at all.. is it normal? Please help,..
MrAnimal Farm says
Sometimes it takes them a little time to adjust. But they should adjust within a day or so. IN the meantime, make sure it is getting to the food and water and not getting trampled.
Kenzie says
I also have a splayed leg chick. I am doing the brace treatment but, for some reason my chick wants to put both of her feet behind her. Causing her to lay on her stomach. Is this normal?
MrAnimal Farm says
They will do this for a little time before they get used to it. Just make sure that they can get to food and water and aren’t getting trampled by the other chicks.
Trish says
Do you separate the chick from the others? Im finding this one to be picked at.
MrAnimal Farm says
You can. It depends on how many others and what their personalities are like. If you do separate, give it at least one buddy so it’s not lonely.
Best,
Kristin
L says
How long does the process usually take?
MrAnimal Farm says
It can depend on the severity. Some are fixed in a day or so while others can take more like a week. You should see improvements over time.
Best,
Kristin
Pi says
Hi! Will a separated chick with band-aid recover also while living with/under chicken mom? I’m afraid that when I separate one of them then mom will not accept it after recovery.
MrAnimal Farm says
We haven’t ever had to deal with splay leg in a chick that was hatched by a hen – we mostly do incubation. However, I know it can be difficult to get a hen to take new chicks if she doesn’t think they are hers. Unless it can get around well with the splint on, I would be nervous to leave it outside. But if I separate it for a few days (hopefully with a chick buddy), I would be prepared in mom didn’t want it back.
Best,
Kristin
Sabrina says
I have two baby ducks I got from a friend. One of the duck’s has a leg that is out towards the back and it can not walk. I gave it water through a syringe that had “save a chick” in it (electrolytes). This morning I woke up to the duckling laying in what smelt to be urine. The duckling is not eating or drinking on its own and its head will sometimes tremble when I hold it. It’s under a heat lamp with clean food, water, and bedding. I’m going to try the band aid like you guys did when I get home from work today. Otherwise, I don’t know what else to do. Thoughts?
MrAnimal Farm says
This sounds like perhaps your duckling has something else going on other than just splay leg – the way you describe it’s head trembling. I would ensure that it continues to eat and drink, if possible.