Baby Chicken With Hurt Leg: Question for Vets/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! :)
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?
Thanks so so much for your answers, it really did help–well I tried my best but unfortunately "David" just died in his little box. Poor little guy. :(

4 Responses to “Baby Chicken With Hurt Leg: Question for Vets/Farmers!!?”

  1. BIG-B on August 17th, 2010 6:03 pm

    TAPE A POPSICLE STICK ON ITS LEG FOR SUPPORT

  2. alidansma on August 17th, 2010 6:03 pm

    How old is the baby chick? It might have a slipped tendon. I have nursed plenty of baby chicks with hurt legs – some make it – some don’t. Can you move the leg with your hand or is it broken? Check at backyard chickens.com at
    http://b7.ezboard.com/bbackyardchickens

    They have helped me through many rough times with my chickens.

  3. tikitiki on August 17th, 2010 6:03 pm

    Good idea on separating it from the rest. Do you have a farmers coop near you? I remember buying a poultry antibiotic at a feed and tack shop when I lived in Florida. Think it was tetracycline, came in a big packet with yellow powder, but I remember it was for poultry-actually used it for all the animals lol. Most coops I’ve seen sell antibiotics, I even bought some Fish Mox(amoxicillin) and Fish Cycline(tetracycline), comes in a small container/bottle, supposed to be for fish but can be used for any animal, just need to know the proper dosage. Comes in handy for situations like what you have. Good luck!

  4. EllieKelli on August 17th, 2010 6:03 pm

    ahhh poor little guy. I have chickens and hurt legs are usually caused by the mother hen. If the chick was with the hen then it was most likley stepped on. when the hens scratch the ground the babies often get stuck under then feet and cant get up… I have put a splint on a baby chicks leg before to help it, only to find that when i got home the cat got in the house and all that was left was the leg and the splint… ahhhh =/ sorry sad story!