Splayed legs in 16 day old babies.

[sarahmohla]

I have 2 out of 3 baby irns with splayed legs. What are your suggestions?

[pinkdevil]

I had my first splayed legged case last season.

I would recommend that it be corrected as soon as possible for the birds to lead a normal life.

There are a few ways that can be done.

Here is a linkto the "hobble" type method.
And to the spongemethod.

I used the sponge method. I tried the hobble way but I didn't feel it was comfortable for the chick. The sponge seemed much more pleasant. Just need to check the sponge for rubbing and the chicks legs for swelling and growing etc, as the little ones grow so fast.

Make sure the sponge is NOT a house hold sponge as it hardens when soild or wet causing the chick discomfort. Makeup sponges are great, nice and soft.

I have read that splayed legs can be caused from anything lilke not enough nesting material, hen sitting too tight, to not enough calcium in their diet.

Here is the thread to my girl that I corrected using the sponge method.

Hope all goes well for you.

[sarahmohla]

Thank you for the response. It is my first clutch and I get to see the worst apparently! I also read about the different techniques for hobbling. I used the sponge for a few days. Household was all I had and it was fine, I just cut it to size to keep clean. Then I switched over to a makeup sponge. I had a hard time getting the holes cut the perfect size. Too much room to wiggle or too much constriction. I then switched to medical tape hobbles. They seemed to be improving, though I thought the leg looked deformed. I brought them to the vet (also my boss, as I am a vet tech by trade!) and she feels I am doing all I can. Surgery to correct it is ideal, but who can afford it in times as these. I hope to correct it enough so they can perch low and keep clean. Obviously these are keepers!

[Jan]

I have 2 out of 3 baby irns with splayed legs. What are your suggestions?

Splayed legs happen when the chicks slip on the bottom of the nest box, in other words the legs cant grip on the bottom and slips.
Place some River sand inside the nest box for ± 2 inches and then the rest with wooden shavings. The river sand will definitly prevent the chicks from getting splayed legs. The river sand also helps and prevents the eggs from cracking in the event of too little shavngs. Ringnecks like to throw out shavings from the nest. Best is to use deep enough nest boxes.
I use this method with all my bird species an it works.