Knock kneed genetics?

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extraordinaryfowl

extraordinaryfowl

Songster
8 Years
Sep 6, 2011
477
5
101
Lancaster, PA
How do knock knees work? I have never had to deal with them, but have some birds of a beautiful strain, but they are knock-kneed. Will ANY normal kneed birds result from a knock-knee to knock-knee mating, and what about a knock-knee to a normal kneed bird (I could breed them to my other strains)? I would hate to cull them, but probably will if I won't be able to get rid of the knock knees. Thanks.
 
I came back because I had another thought. In order to have good legs, the bird must have strong tendons in the leg to support the legs in the proper position. Poor diet and lack of exercise can develop weak tendons that can't support the weight of the bird and the leg will look bad but it won't be genetic.

So, did you raise these birds yourself, or did you buy them as adults? Crooked legs are generally genetic, but legs can also be ruined by environment.
 
Thanks, I raised this batch of birds. I only have 1 originally of this line, a hen, and she is knock-kneed, so it must be genetic. I will cross these offspring back to the father (of another line) and cull diligently like you said. Thanks - MW
 
I would say you are doing it right.In addition,when culling,select those with the most width of body,width of back and width of skull.It is also good to look for better frames and bigger shanks.Knock knees goes with narrow ,weak,and less vigorous small birds.It make take several generations to overcome,and by all means go back to the non knock kneed line another time or two.Avoid inbreeding.
 

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