The three quail that were hatched last month are doing decently well! However, I do have a little runt who is having all kinds of problems. He has splay leg and toes that want to just curl inward. I am trying all kinds of things to fix this problem, but it's up and down with how the solutions are working. Thankfully he seems strong and healthy otherwise. I just worry that if he's deformed, the others will pick on him and probably kill him. So far so good though.
I first noticed the possible splay leg, soon after hatch, in the incubator. I really wasn't sure what to think at first. My breeder suggested that I put it in a teacup in the incubator for a day. This is meant to immobilize the chick so that the legs can learn to stay under its body instead of go willy nilly off to the side. The silly thing would just hop right out of it, they're like little Mexican Jumping Beans.
I left it on for a few days and once I removed it, I barely could tell which chick he was. But, a few days later, the issue returned. I was using paper towels as their bedding (I typically use puppy training pads on my chicks, but had ran out and hoped that the paper towels would be a decent substitute), but since this was not working for the chick... I tried using some kitchen towels in hopes that the chick would be able to get more traction. This was not working either. So I switched to pine shavings. Noticing this wasn't helping either. I had to do something else.
To keep its leg under its body, I decided it was time to create "shackles" for it. (This is something a lot of people do to assist with splay leg). I used a small bandaid to hold both of its legs together (like handcuffs). I also put another "boot" on him to hopefully flatten out his toes that were all curling inward now. This poor little thing, it was having such difficulty getting around in the shavings with these contraptions on him. Somehow he was able to remove both the boo and bandaid shackle. So I resorted to first aid tape around his legs, rather than the bandaid. I did not create another boot for it.
I've now since changed over to puppy pads (so much easier to clean!). After I took off its shackles, the foot and leg seemed fine. However, a few more days went by and it went back to being splay leg. At least the toes are straight? It's pretty unfortunate. But, he does seem like he is growing and healthy other than his gimpy leg. He isn't showing any signs of pain, so my hope is that he can take care of himself... at least until he is meal sized.
More Quail Eggs in the Incubator!
Bobwhite Quail are seasonal layers, so this is one downside of the Bobwhite Quail breed. So if you're looking for a constant supply of eggs, I don't recommend Bobwhite Quail. But they sure are gorgeous, and I love the sounds they make!
The quail have been a ride, I am excited for this newest hatch. I have found someone local that I can buy a few more bobwhites from. It will be good to add some new blood to the brood! I'll let you know when I get them. Should be entertaining, I'm sure of it.
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