The Poultry Keeper

kinmad · Joined: 24 Feb 2008 Posts: 49 Location: east sussex

I have some 2week old chicks 7 in total,i have kept a close eye on their progress as has everyone in the household.But this morning i noticed one of the chicks has the instep toe on both feet curling to the side.Another has it too but alot less dramatic.It's feet were fine when i checked them over during the week.It hasn't yet caused any lameness but i wonder if it will have a job perching.I shall try and get a picture.
But i just wondered if there is anything i can or should do about it and what would cause it now.

Gilly C · Joined: 22 Jun 2006 Posts: 2671 Location: South Cumbria

I have a Silkie who is 9 she has badly curled toes on one foot doesn't hamper her at all I just have to trim the claws from time to time as she was a gift I cannot complain Very Happy

kinmad · Joined: 24 Feb 2008 Posts: 49 Location: east sussex

I maybe worrying a bit much.From what i can gather there is little i can do about it.But i would hate to think i have done something to cause it.The chick in question seems to have movement in it,except it bends more to the side than underneath.....if you know what i mean.
That's reassuring to hear gilly thankyou Very Happy

kated · Joined: 01 Nov 2006 Posts: 2089 Location: norfolk

I may be wrong, but I seem to remember this is something to do with the parents - slightly incorrect feeding or something like that. I wouldn't worry though, they will almost certainly be able to cope and if you aren't showing then it won't matter.

kinmad · Joined: 24 Feb 2008 Posts: 49 Location: east sussex

Just been trawling the internet and a lack of vitamin b2(riboflavin) can cause it.Or it can just be a hereditory thing.Certainly not slowing him/her down!They won't be for showing,their vocation will be egglaying lawn mowers with occasional pest control.
Well they will be once i discover which are cockerals and which are hens Think

Henwife · Joined: 31 Jan 2006 Posts: 3540 Location: Monmouthshire

What is so infuriating about curled toes id that they hatch with perfect feet, so you only realise it much later. I have to re-ring mine at weekly intervals - or at least check they are not too tight - so I inspect regularly & still the odd one creeps up on me. That said, the birds seem unaware that their feet are anything but as they should be.

kinmad · Joined: 24 Feb 2008 Posts: 49 Location: east sussex

That is exactly what occured .All were good midweek then today i noticed it.Wonder if it will get worse.

happychick · Posted: Tue Sep 30, 2008 4:10 pm Post subject:

I had a pekin chick hatched this easter with a curled toe on one foot and I put a small plaster on the underside and one plaster on the top for about a week (I think) when we took it of the toe was straight like the others, I assume the quicker you do this the better the results. For the last 2 nights we have had to lift him down from an 8 ft beech hedge to put him to bed, so no lasting damage. It may have been luck but I would do it again.