Splay leg help

[deb3212]

I have a green cheek baby with splay leg, I have a sponge splint on it and the parents are still very involved at feeding time, but how long until I know this method isn't going to work? or should I use the surgical tape splint method before it gets much older? it was hatched on Oct. 14th and it was a 1st clutch of 3 eggs with only 1 egg fertile we were excited it was doing so well until we took the chick from the nest box to look it over and found the splayed leg issue :31: Any advice or help??

 

[weco]

The cause is usually attributed to improper nesting materials that prevent a chick from keeping their feet under them, a hen sitting too tightly on her chicks, improper diets and congenital defects. Whatever the cause, if corrective measures are to be successful, they must begin as soon as any abnormality in the legs is first noticed and while the chick’s legs are still pliable.

Correcting splayed legs in older birds usually requires that a veterinarian break the leg, insert a pin, then allow the leg to heal, although, this method is not always successful and may require the later amputation of the leg.

There are several methods that have been developed to correct splay-leg. One method is described on parrotpattor.com, in an article entitled Fixing Splay Legs in Baby Birds. This article offers a step-by- step with pictures.

I don't remember if Dr. Hines article offers a time limit, but I would think that several weeks, then remove your sponge & see how the chick is doing...you can always replace it for a longer period.....good luck.....

 

[hacatta]

i had a splay leg baby last year,i fixed it using 2 Open split leg rings,or 1 and a regular band,and i knotted a rubber band trough it,this makes it possible to walk and train their leg muscles in the right position,my vet wasn't able to see that she ever had that condition.

 

[mh434]

I've used the sticks-to-itself stretchy veterinary tape (bought from pet stores) hobble method successfully on two Lovebird chicks. It required a couple of days, and after that their legs were perfect. They're both adults now, with strong, straight legs. Green cheeks are larger, of course, but if it's done early enough, I can't see it taking long.