Baby deformity

[Jess]

I've handfeeding a baby zebra finch for about 2 1/2 weeks now ( 19 days to be exact ). He or she has been quite a slow grower from the pictures I've seen online, but is well and energetic. The only "problems" that I seem to noticed has been one weak leg or a leg that it hasn't used a lot and on that same weak leg, on one of its toe, the nail on the far right side for it hasn't grown out and I don't think it ever will. Have anyone experience any deformities in their brood before or had the same thing happening? I would be interested to know about the weak leg if that is a big problem. It hasn't gotten all of its feathers in yet and you can still see the crop.

Thank You for your time and care.

[CathyCraftz]

It will get used to it. As it is not a big deformity like a bad hip, the chick will get around fine. But it might have a hard time mating.

[Fraza]

Jess it can be called slip toe if I’m right when ther hasn’t been enough bedding/nesting material inside the nest however it should manage fine without and the fact it’s energetic it must be healthy so definetly should cope fine if it’s a strong bird

[Icearstorm]

Fraza

Slip toe is when the back toe curls under the foot and points forward:


I'm not sure what one would call the zebra finch's deformity.

[Fraza]

Icearstorm Ohright okay thanks