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Barnyard Buddies:  Splay Leg idea for baby chickens  |
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msdoolittle
True Blue Farmgirl
1143 Posts
Amanda
East Texas
USA
1143 Posts |
 Posted - May 14 2010 : 06:11:35 AM
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I hatched out my first ever batch of chicks earlier this week. So exciting! Though my hatch ratio was terrible, I know what went wrong (temp too low), but even still, I had 8 hatch out. One died yesterday, unknown reasons, and one became victim to 'splay leg'. Typically, splay leg occurs when chicks are kept on a slippery surface, like newspaper. I'm not sure how that happened here because they were never kept on a slippery surface, but it did. Anyway, here is how I am correcting it.
I got an old tube sock and cut off a 1.5" wide piece off of the stretchy cuff part. I cut that circle once to make it lay flat, and then cut out a tiny hole (about 1/4") out of the middle of that. Then I trimmed the 2 edges down so that the edges were tapered. Both legs, up to where they meet the body, go through the hole (the sock material is very stretchy, so it allows for this), and I carefully noted the leg positioning of the other chicks to see if placement of the legs while in the 'Sock Bodysuit' was correct. And, there! I am now a Chicken Occupational Therapist. Lol. Anyway, I will try to post pics later today. He will have to wear the bodysuit until the leg muscles develop a little more.
FarmGirl #1390
www.mylittlecountry.wordpress.com |
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sherrye
True Blue Farmgirl
3775 Posts
sherry
bend in the high desert
oregon
USA
3775 Posts |
Posted - May 14 2010 : 07:57:59 AM
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good job amanda, you are a true blue farmgirl. making due with what you have. not only that but you had a good hatch. let us know how chickie does. waiting for pics happy days sherrye
the learn as we go silk purse farm
farmgirl #1014
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wooliespinner
True Blue Farmgirl
1311 Posts
Linda
Manchester
Ohio
1311 Posts |
Posted - May 14 2010 : 1:40:40 PM
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That is super cool. I love it when people figure out neat ways to help their animals. Many people would just let them go and they would not make it. I think thats one of the best stories I have heard in awhile. I am smiling from ear to ear,and patting you on the back. Can't wait to see the pictures.
Linda
Raspberry Run Farm
Nubian Dairy Goats |
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msdoolittle
True Blue Farmgirl
1143 Posts
Amanda
East Texas
USA
1143 Posts |
Posted - May 14 2010 : 5:48:30 PM
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Thanks guys! I am really pulling for the little guy, though his legs are doing well, he hasn't begun eating very well. I dunno...this was not the best hatch so it is what it is. BUT, I'll try and snag some pics!
FarmGirl #1390
www.mylittlecountry.wordpress.com |
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Barnyard Buddies: Splay Leg idea for baby chickens |
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Splay Leg idea for baby chickens
