Sablepoot legs

[chickenfan]

I wonder if anyone keeps Sablepoots? I have kept silver millefleurs for a year and am puzzled about their legs. I have taken mine to an 'expert' breeder last night because my cockerel has red patches on his legs and I wondered what it was. Apparently there is nothing wrong with my bird and he doesn't have scaly leg, so she thinks it is the blood supply needed for the the large leg feathers. She has suggested using Sudocrem (nappy rash cream) or vaseline if they look too sore. Do other people's birds look like this? I am wondering if he is indeed uncomfortable or if I'm worrying about nothing. Also wondering about breeding if Sablepoots may have a slight 'design fault'. They are otherwise a delightful breed with loads of character.

 

[chrismahon]

I've looked at photos of Dutch Booted Bantams Chickenfan and I can't see any with red patches on the legs. The book I have says they are very high maintenance though with the feet needing constant attention to avoid feather problems.

Talking of 'design faults' we decided a while back not to breed from our Buff Orpingtons as they have some major issues bred into them. We may however try the French version, if we can find a cockerel 'throwback' to the original standard with a taller stance and smaller chest.

 

[chickenfan]

Thank you Chris for all your knowledge as always. What is the book you have? Any idea what I am supposed to do to 'maintain' the legs? I can't quite think why they are getting sore unless he is picking at his legs because it is annoying having the feathers. I've recently changed them from woodchip run to grass run which is moved daily and they much prefer this. It is covered to keep out the rain, but it is quite damp here.

I wonder if the Australorps have the same issues as the English Orpingtons.

 

[chrismahon]

The book is Choosing and Keeping Chickens by Chris Graham ISBN978-0-7537-1552-9 Chickenfan. Bought from a charity shop (twice by accident) for £3.
It says they need a clean dry environment to protect the leg feathering and wider and lower than normal perches.

Buff Orpingtons are now far too breast heavy for their hips (show breeding!) and have chronic ingrowing feather problems. Result is the cocks are crippled early and are in pain from the feathers, which need regular attention to prevent infection. We may have to despatch Basil soon.

 

[chickenfan]

Thank you Chris. I'll see how we get on moving them on the grass a bit longer, even if it is a bit dewy some mornings. They find it much more interesting to graze. It seems the lost neck feathers on the hen are probably boredom and the other hen pecking. If this doesn't work I'll try Marigold's aubiose or perhaps not keep the cockerel.

What an incredibly sad story about the Buff Orpingtons. I am so sorry about Basil, who sounds such a character. I hate the whole business of showing and breeding to standard that someone has decided looks nice. I notice my very best birds are those where I have mixed two breeds eg the cuckoo and the French marans. Lovely laid-back birds that lay hundreds of eggs.

 

[chickenfan]

After trying for a few days with calendula cream, I've tried Sudacrem and this has solved the red leg problem in just one application. The legs are a normal colour again. I'm still not quite sure what caused the redness.

 

[chickenfan]

I understand from a booted bantam breeder the redness comes and goes in the millefleur sablepoots only. It looks alarming but is perhaps not serious.