Curled toes (also called twisted or bent toes) are a common issue that can show up shortly after chicks hatch. It may look concerning, but in most cases, it’s easy to fix, especially if treated early before the bones begin to harden.
What Causes Curled Toes?
There are a few possible reasons:
- Incubation issues (such as temperature fluctuations or poor positioning)
- Nutritional deficiencies in the parent hen
- Genetics
- Or sometimes… it just happens!
If it happens repeatedly in your hatches, it’s worth investigating further. But if it’s just a one-off, don’t stress, it’s usually a quick fix.
Step-by-Step: How to Correct Curled Toes
- Gently spread the chick’s toes into a natural, flat position. Cut a small piece of tape and place it under the foot, holding the toes in place.
- Make sure the middle toe is fully supported and covered—this one tends to curl the most.
Leave the toenail tips exposed to help with grip. - Add another small piece of tape on top of the foot. Gently press it down to secure the toes in the correct position, forming a little sandal.
- Leave the tape on for 24 to 48 hours. Monitor how the chick walks. If needed, reapply the tape for another day or two.
- How to remove : To avoid damaging soft feathers or skin (especially in feathered feet breed) moisten the tape with warm water before removal.
The earlier you treat curled toes, the easier it is to correct. After just a few days with the tape in place, most chicks walk normally and never show signs of the issue again.
