older Chickens and leg problems

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Kuntry Klucker

Kuntry Klucker

Crowing
12 Years
Jun 9, 2010
1,623
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Tennesee Smoky Mts.
Hi All,

Does anyone know if there is a correlation between chickens getting older and developing leg problems?

I have a flock of BO's, they are 5 years old now. I have lost a few to leg issues over the past year.
No signs of illness, just lame legs, I had to separate them and I guess due to age or feeling sorry for them
I have put them to sleep.

Now my rooster is developing this mysterious leg issue. They do not have marks disease or anything like that.
I have not even heard as much as a sneeze out of my flock so I am beginning to wonder if this has something to do with the breed.
hu.gif


Like all animals breeds have different issues that can cause health issues as they age. Are leg problems such as lameness an issue with BO's or other large fowl?

Thanks
 
I'm sorry to hear that.

I would think older, heavy breed would be more prone to leg problems. None of my chickens are old enough to be sure yet, but it is important to remember that we breed chickens to have a lot more meat on them then their wild ancestors, so they have to carry around a lot more bulk on their own two legs.

Other reasons for lameness/paralysis/leg problems include:
Nutritional problems, jumping from high heights, bumblefoot, slipped tendons, a difficult to grip surface, uncomfortable roosts, and others.

Are they just limping or are their signs of paralysis?

I hope they get better soon. Best of luck!
 
GitaBooks said:
I'm sorry to hear that.

I would think older, heavy breed would be more prone to leg problems. None of my chickens are old enough to be sure yet, but it is important to remember that we breed chickens to have a lot more meat on them then their wild ancestors, so they have to carry around a lot more bulk on their own two legs.

Other reasons for lameness/paralysis/leg problems include:
Nutritional problems, jumping from high heights, bumblefoot, slipped tendons, a difficult to grip surface, uncomfortable roosts, and others.

Are they just limping or are their signs of paralysis?

I hope they get better soon. Best of luck!
Click to expand...

Thanks GitaBooks. No there are not other signs of paralysis. They are happy and healthy otherwise. I seem to have this reoccurring problem with the older hens and now my rooster. I have a pent house coop with and inclosed run, they do not have anything that
they can hurt themselves on that I am aware of.

No sign of bumble food or any other injuries. No predators or anything of that sort. I give them clean water every day, I put vitamins in their water once a week and AC vinegar during the cooler months. There are not signs of illness such as sneezing, runny nose, or discharge form their eyes. Just their legs start to give out as they get older. I just keep coming back to their age and breed being the reason for their leg problems. Here is a pic on my set up if that helps.





 

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