TOES & LEGS
ROLLED TOES
This is a condition usually seen in birds under 2 weeks of age where the toe itself is rolled to one side. In this instance, the toe nail points to one side.
This condition is usually the result poor substrate during brooding, Improper incubation conditions, or occasionally, improper nutrition in the hen.
Treatment is easy and usually 100% effective is delt with early. See the section on Care of Young Chicks for details on treatment.
DEVIATED TOES
This condition is one seen in growing birds that is usually the result of some form of trauma to the toe. Generally the bird can walk on the pad of the foot but the toe projects to one side at the joint.
This condition can usually be treated with good success by surgical manipulation. If diagnosed early, and if the break can be treated and cast so that the bird can walk, correction is usually successful. Early treatment is essential for success.
TURNED OR CROOKED LEGS
This problem involves the twisting of the entire bone resulting in the foot pointing outward. The appearance of this problem can often be quite rapid with notable rotation occurring within a few days. Although there are not good studies to document the actual cause of all cases, based on similar problems in other animals, it appears that the primary causes are related to nutrition, exercise, and growth rate.
There does not appear to be any good treatments available at this time. Surgical intervention has not proven useful and other efforts are equally unsuccessful. The prevention of the condition appears to be the best opportunity for the rancher. Limited feeding, feed with protein levels below 20%, a balanced feed suitable for proper bone growth, and proper activity levels for young chicks are all essential in preventing this problem.
SLIPPED TENDONS
The two most commonly seen tendon problems are with the heel and hock tendons. The problem arises when the tendon that runs down the back the leg, the back of the heel and to the tow (heel tendon) or the tendon that runs down the groove in the rear of the hock (hock tendon) slips out of the groove that hold them in place. The most common cause of this condition is some form of trauma, poor flooring or footing, or improper exercise.
Most cases can be treated successfully with surgery. Care must be taken to minimize the damage to the tendons after they have slipped out of their normal position. Wrapping the bird, minimizing the use of the legs, and early treatment will increase the chances of success.
BOWED LEGS
This condition is one in which the toes of the chick point in the correct direction but the leg bones bow either inward or outward. The condition us generally caused by improper diet especially excess vitamin supplimentation and perhaps too rapid of an early growth rate.
There is no suitable treatment other than to improve the diet and change the feeding program.