Numbered leg bands are placed on the birds and they are weighed at the time they are placed into the brooder. No food or water is provided until they are 6 to 8 days of age. This allows the birds to absorb any fluid that is in the tissues and requires that the bird begin to utilize the yolk material. Chicks have been kept up to 10 days with no notable problems. All birds are taken out and placed on grass or dirt, as soon as weather permits to further stimulate water absorption and to encourage activity.
Treatment is almost always successful if the condition is detected early.
Care must be taken when hobbling birds in the brooder as they may turn onto their back and will be unable to right themselves. Our brooder box is constructed of stainless steel so that it can be sanitized easily. This type of flooring is ideal since it is easily cleaned, can't be eaten, and provides support for the chicks during the first few days while still allowing a clean dry surface. After the chicks are removed from the brooder, they are placed on grass in a portable pen for as long as weather permits. The grass in the pen area is cut short and the pen is moved daily.