chick can't get off its hocks

[chickenfan]

I have a newborn chick that can't seem to get up off its hocks or straighten its legs properly. It is strong and active otherwise. Not sure if this one may need to be culled.

 

[dinosaw]

Give it a day to improve, if it doesn't then best to kill it as unlike spraddle leg you are unlikely to be able to do anything to improve the situation and you will be faced with the choice of isolating it in which case it likely won't be accepted back or having it badly bullied, also bear in mind that even if it improves it will be likely to be a runt. How many did you hatch?, it must be quite a flock you have built up now.

 

[chickenfan]

Thanks Dinosaw. It did finally stand up after hours of struggling. What a strange thing. Do you know what causes this? It is one of my favourite Marans crossed with a Faverolles. Yes, I have raised quite a few chicks this year in the hope of having two breed groups on my allotment.

 

[chrismahon]

It may be underdevelopment caused by the diet of the laying hen Chickenfan -or just natural variation? We usually put them on a mix of layers and rearers and give plenty of fresh greens and healthy treats.

 

[chickenfan]

Thanks Chris. She has lots of grass and organic layers pellets, so perhaps natural variation. The other chicks from this cockerel have been wonderfully strong.