Roobaloo Posted August 3, 2010 Share Posted August 3, 2010 I decided to start a new post as this question is more about general chick rearing then the injury... My little chick has shown some progress though, the cause is still a mystery...she's had 24 hours out of the sling to give her a chance to preen and move about. She's started supporting herself again, sitting up rather than leaning on a wall or propping herself with her wing...but she's still refusing to stand. I've started physio with her, gently encouraging her to stretch the leg and gently moving each joint. I also have been testing her "walking"...by supporting her body (feet flat on the floor) tipping her weight forward so she has to step forward...and she does it perfectly, no hesitation, even smooth steps... ..she just doesn't want to stand on her own. She's back in the sling and is 'standing' with both feet flat on the floor (before she always curled the suspected 'bad foot') So I was wondering if there was anything I could use to motivate her with. I'm not expecting miracles but I feel she now needs the drive to try standing again. Would I be able to give her any treats such as live mealworm or some strawberry? If so, I assume I need to introduce grit? Where can I buy it and how do I encourage her to take it (should I just mix it with her crumb)? Or does anyone have an alternative way to encourage her to stand? Many thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meezers Posted August 3, 2010 Share Posted August 3, 2010 My chicks had mealworms and treats from a couple of days old - Muppet shared hers with them as for grit, I got mine from the pet stall in the market, can't remember what they called it ( wasn't chick grit ) but it is much smaller than the normal grit. Actually, might have been budgie grit ? anyway, most pet shops should have it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roobaloo Posted August 3, 2010 Author Share Posted August 3, 2010 I've found a few aimed at canaries and other small caged birds ( http://www.petsathome.com/shop/bird-grit-1.5kg-by-happy-pet-16267 ) ...but they all contain crushed oyster shell - is this ok for such young birds? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meezers Posted August 3, 2010 Share Posted August 3, 2010 Hmm, I only found the one type of small grit in our petshop , and it doesn't have shell in it maybe one of the more experienced hatchers will know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roobaloo Posted August 3, 2010 Author Share Posted August 3, 2010 I found some "chick grit" at Flyte So Fancy... ...really annoying as I'd already placed an order there for some other supplies this afternoon...I must've been half asleep because I couldn't for the life of me find it then!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Isabel Posted August 3, 2010 Share Posted August 3, 2010 Ring them first thing, it might not have been despatched yet. Well done with your chick ... she's looking great! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
