Baby Chicken with hurt leg: Question for Veterinarians/Farmers!?

Hi! I have a baby chicken here with a leg that’s hurt–the leg is red and swollen, I think some of the other chicks pecked at it. The chick can’t bend the leg or walk, but is fine otherwise. I obviously don’t want to just leave the baby chick in the pen with the others to fend for itself, so I brought it inside and made a little pen for it, and put a light over it to keep it warm. I’m wondering if there’s anything I can do for it, aside from bringing to the vet? Any (SERIOUS) suggestions would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks so much! :)
Also, how do I tell if the leg is broken? He’s not moving it–the other leg is fine but the hurt leg is just laid straight out–like he’s doing the splits or something…is there any chance for him if his leg is broken? i.e will a broken leg heal on a baby chick?
Okay, I put the splint on the chick–two matchsticks taped with a small bandaid–I placed the splint below the knee–is this right? Also, how can I get the chick to eat/drink? It’s only a day old and won’t touch any of the food I give it, and won’t drink from a bowl. I’m scared to put a water bowl in its box in case it decides to drown in it–is there any other way to give it something to drink? If so, should I be giving it something other than water since it’s obviously not in optimal condition?
Aww thanks so much for your answers, but unfortunately "David" just passed away. Poor little guy. :(

3 Responses to “Baby Chicken with hurt leg: Question for Veterinarians/Farmers!?”

  1. Kaska on August 14th, 2010 6:01 am

    Wash any open wounds with soap and water and give him a few days to heal and another week or so to build his strength before putting him back with the others.

  2. Trishia on August 14th, 2010 6:01 am

    I am very very sorry to here that.

    If swollen its possible that it is broke. you need to confine him to a area where he can drink and eat without having to get up. try to make it a smaller area so he doesn’t have the chance to walk around. because he will try. Since it is swollen most likely infection has set in. you need to give him some anti- biotics. the over the counter ones can usually be picked up at your local farm store. some pet stores might have it, I would call first. Keep him down for at least a week. If you have a small cage this would be perfect. You will need to clean it a lot so that any skin irritation does not get contaminated. make sure he stays warm. Keep him away from the other chicks if they know he is weak they will sometimes try to kill him

  3. colin-irene D on August 14th, 2010 6:01 am

    you need to put a splint on the chicks leg either use two matchsticks or two cocktail sticks ,,,,with the points taken off,,,,,,gentley bind with a narrow bandage and leave it on for two weeks it should heel perfectly,,sounds like a break or a bad sprain this will sort him out good luck,,,,,,,