13 day old poult has black toes on one foot.

[boxermom]

I think this poult got his toes caught on something, but I don't know what. I noticed it as it was moving away from me today. I picked it up and saw (without my glasses) its toes were black and they looked like they were falling off. I didn't mess with them since I couldn't see for certain. I'm waiting for DH to come home and help me look. DH wants me to post to see if there is a fungus or something that would bother the feet like that. He hasn't seen it yet. The poult still has its foot and is able to walk. I'm not going to sell it now, but could we still raise it for our food if it's just an injury? It was hatched and is being raised by a buff orpington. There are 4 others. All look fine and are eating and drinking. This poult is too. I'll try to post pics when DH gets home.

 

[CARS]

Maybe....

 

[boxermom]

We weren't able to get to him tonight. He was tucked under Mama. We'll try tomorrow.

 

[CARS]

The only info I can find about black toenails was:

"Strangely, there is some anecdotal evidence that the incidence of black toenails, may increase dramatically around thanksgiving and Easter holiday times! These are the two main holiday periods when people remove 12-18 pound ( 5-8 kilogram ) frozen turkeys from the freezer, and drop them squarely on their big toe! So, take care when unloading the turkey if you want to avoid unsightly and painful black toenails!"

Not the answer you were looking for, but I found the connection to turkeys funny!

Is it possible that the little poult stubbed his toes?

 

[boxermom]

It is all three toes, entirely. It still has the "stump" and the back toe. We were unable to catch him this am. He moves to the back of the brooder and I can't get to him without freaking everybody out. He moves pretty well. The only thing I can figure, is the other day one of the poults was jumping and flying trying to get over the hardware cloth to the other side where the young poults were hatching. It may have been caught on the hardware cloth, but I didn't see it, nor do I know if its the same one. They all look alike.

Strangely, there is some anecdotal evidence that the incidence of black toenails, may increase dramatically around thanksgiving and Easter holiday times! These are the two main holiday periods when people remove 12-18 pound ( 5-8 kilogram ) frozen turkeys from the freezer, and drop them squarely on their big toe! So, take care when unloading the turkey if you want to avoid unsightly and painful black toenails!"