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Sometimes you'll hatch a bird(s) with a leg sticking out sideways or noticeably curled toes. I'm sure there are legitimate names for these issues, but we're going to say gimpy legs and curly toes.

https://files.catbox.moe/jrm21b.jpg

Usually it's just a bird or two, but poor genes and/or sketchy incubation can cause multiple to hatch this way. If it's one out of the 50+ you just hatched, just cull it. But, you can try to fix it if you can't live with doing what I said.

For the gimpy leg, tie them together like shackles. A bandaid works well, but it can be difficult to remove later. Some people use a hair tie with a piece of tape in the middle or simply use string.

https://files.catbox.moe/lvu0cl.jpg

For the curly toes, make a little sandle with a bandaid.

https://files.catbox.moe/uev3ik.jpg

Give it a few days and some observation. There's a good chance you'll save the little shit. Just be gentle, it's likely the smallest, most fragile animal you've ever held in your hand.

Sometimes you'll hatch a bird(s) with a leg sticking out sideways or noticeably curled toes. I'm sure there are legitimate names for these issues, but we're going to say gimpy legs and curly toes. https://files.catbox.moe/jrm21b.jpg Usually it's just a bird or two, but poor genes and/or sketchy incubation can cause multiple to hatch this way. If it's one out of the 50+ you just hatched, just cull it. But, you can try to fix it if you can't live with doing what I said. For the gimpy leg, tie them together like shackles. A bandaid works well, but it can be difficult to remove later. Some people use a hair tie with a piece of tape in the middle or simply use string. https://files.catbox.moe/lvu0cl.jpg For the curly toes, make a little sandle with a bandaid. https://files.catbox.moe/uev3ik.jpg Give it a few days and some observation. There's a good chance you'll save the little shit. Just be gentle, it's likely the smallest, most fragile animal you've ever held in your hand.

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[–] • 0 pt

Been considering joining your ranks. How would you go about culling? Not sure if I have the heart but I'm curious.

[–] • 0 pt

Subscribe and ask any questions you have. Anything homestead or yardbird related is welcome. Nothing is as cheap and easy and tasty as quail, though.

I'm not 100% sure there's a legal/moral guideline on how to cull a little chick. Hold it by the head and make a sharp motion similar to cracking a whip. If that's a little too personal, put it in a cup in the freezer for 15 minutes or so.

Ideally, after several generations of selective breeding this won't be something you see very often. If you do save one by means I described in the post, tag it with a mini zip tie so it can end up on a plate and not in your breeding stock.

For anyone else following along, I'm not a fan of culling baby animals. I'll butcher adults all day long for meat, but culling the young that would otherwise suffer is the right thing to do.

[–] • 0 pt

Thanks for the thoughtful response. Already subscribed and I'll start some posts of my own journey once I get started.

[–] • 1 pt

Good deal! There's a resource index of sorts as a sticky. You don't have to follow my instructions at all. I like cheap, easy, and being as lazy as possible. That's sort of the theme in most of my posts. Good luck.