Chicken bald back

[Goldie]

Hi all - My Light sussex has been struggling to keep up with the group for a while now, often find her ranging on her own, lagging behind when I call them, and generally walking slowly.

 

She's fine in herself, but today I noticed her middle toes are curling inwards when she walks, on grass or on the paths.

 

Her middle toe-nails are no longer than the other girls, but her feet seem to be curling inwards and generally looks uncomfortable to walk. It's not always been like this, and I can't imagine her feet have grown (she's now 2.5 years old). She's the only one who hasn't come back into lay yet.

 

Have checked for bumble foot/scaly leg mite etc (they get a preventative spray now and again anyway). It's just the middle toes that are bending and curling inwards when she puts weight on that leg. I've also seen her curl the foot under while resting, until she has to bear weight with the toes bent under her foot.

 

Any ideas about twisty feet and troublesome middle toes? She will still have a good scratch around in the ground, and is perching at night no problems.

 

Thanks

[Beantree]

We occasionally get the same problem Goldie, but it has always been due to long nails. Curled feet in chicks is due to a vitamin B deficiency I think? So in this case I am guessing somewhat. It could be a vitamin deficiency, possible not diet but a worm burden. It could also be neurological. I've never heard of chicken arthritis, but am not ruling it out. Perhaps cod liver oil and a diet supplement is a good place to start if they have been wormed recently?

[The Dogmother]

This is more common in newly hatched chicks than in mature hens, I would check her legs and feet carefully for injury, check that she is able to grip your fingers with her toes.

 

It *can* sometimes be a vitamin B12 deficiency (as mentioned above) so dose her with NutriDrops, which will add B12 to her diet, and have a go at creating some sandals for her with micropore tape and bits of cut up plastic milk cartons. I've used this successfully with chicks in the past.

[Goldie]

Hi - thanks for the advice.

Unfortunately I don't think either me or her would be any good with the splints, but will look at getting some Nutridrops as a pick-me-up.

Today she is still lame but the twist isn't as pronounced. And I have compared her to the other girls, who do have the same length nails (but a slightly shorter toe).

I could be barking up the wrong tree completely, but I'm pretty sure it's her feet she's uncomfortable with, limping and stepping heavily.

She can perch and grip ok, perhaps she's just getting old