This is a story about a new addition to the family. A little baby chick that we incubated and hatched which needed a little extra help. We've affectionately named it Derpy.
Two years ago we made the decision to become a backyard chicken family, and have loved every minute. Even when it gets a little scary. Having no previous experience whatsoever, anytime one of our flock shows signs of something being wrong, we immediately go into "mommy mode," determined to help, heal, and protect. Derpy was no exception.
After a long and difficult hatch, Derpy emerged wet, exhausted, and barely able to move. It soon became obvious that something wasn't quite right with this little chick. It was unable to stand up and flopped around helplessly. We discovered that the chick actually had a slipped tendon on the left leg. It kept popping/rolling out, making it impossible for the chick to stand or walk properly. We fashioned a "chick chair" out of an ice cream bucket and made gauze lined straw casts to immobilize the chick to allow the tendon and legs to align and grow correctly.
Many of the stories we read of other chicken families with slipped tendons ended in tragedy. We are thrilled to report that after a few days in the chick chair and numerous physical therapy sessions, the chick made a full recovery!
After a long and difficult hatch, Derpy emerged wet, exhausted, and barely able to move
Once left with his hatchmates after some time he wondered away from the heat plate and was cold and barely alive
We brought the little one inside the house, warmed it up, but soon it became obvious that something wasn't quite right
It was unable to stand up and flopped around helplessly. Upon further investigation, we discovered that the chick actually had a slipped tendon on the left leg
We fashioned a "chick chair" out of an ice cream bucket and made gauze lined straw casts
To immobilize the chick to allow the tendon and legs to align and grow correctly
Many of the stories we read of other chicken families with slipped tendons ended in tragedy
After a few days in the chick chair and numerous physical therapy sessions, the chick made a full recovery
