3 welsummers having trouble walking

[Wyorp Rock]

3 of my 4 welsummers (about 20 weeks old) that are now not wanting to walk.

They’ve been on Purina layer pellets for close to a month now before that flock raiser crumbles.

I agree, with adding poultry vitamins that contain B2 and taking a close look at the legs/feet is a good idea.

It's hard to tell, but looking at the photos, it looks like the toenails/feet may be damaged/injured. Also look between the toes is that red/inflamed(?) What do the bottom of the feet look like? One more thing, the photo I've circled, the beak-is it off, have a lesion or was that just food?

 

[4 ever Orpington]

View attachment 1373443 View attachment 1373444 View attachment 1373445 I have 3 of my 4 welsummers (about 20 weeks old) that are now not wanting to walk. The use their wings for support and shuffle. It started with one about 2 weeks ago, then last week another and today a third. Each time I find them they are being pecked on by some of the other chickens. They have been eating and drinking while isolated in the shed. I let them lay out in the grass during the day and they eat grass. They’ve been on Purina layer pellets for close to a month now before that flock raiser crumbles. All the other chickens seem fine I have to 1 year old tetra browns, another welsummer, 4 Easter eggers and a black australorp. I got all but the tetra browns at the same time from Meyer hatchery and all but the australorp were supposed to be vaccinated for Mareks.

 

[MrMatt83]

I’ve been adding sav-a-chick vitamin packets in their water. The first 2 to show symptoms are improving but still not getting around normally but they will walk some to get around. I will try some b complex for humans. What kind of dosage is safe for the birds?

 

[EggSighted4Life]

What kind of dosage is safe for the birds?

B won't overdose the way some others will.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Since they are +/- 20wks old, I would give 1/2tablet of human B-Complex to each bird daily for a couple of weeks to see if that makes a difference.

@EggSighted4Life is correct, B vitamins are water soluble and excess is excreted in the urine so an overdose if unlikely.

 

[MrMatt83]

Thanks. I’ll get some vitamin B pills and try that. I’m still surprised to see 3 chickens out of 11 with a vitamin deficiency when they are all eating and drinking the same food and water.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I’m still surprised to see 3 chickens out of 11 with a vitamin deficiency when they are all eating and drinking the same food and water.

Agreed... but I do see strange things all the time. And it all the same breed.

 

[MrMatt83]

Update. I have been giving the hens vitamin b complex drops from GNC. Two of the chickens seem to be improving. They are walking around more and seem less awkward when walking than they were. One still doesn’t move around much and when forced seems to have trouble walking. I’ll post back later to update further.

 

[PouleChick]

My Sussex was doing similar walking / toe curling and as eggcessive said

Riboflavin can be important in leg health

. I did masses of research and decided to try vitamins as Riboflavin deficiency seemed consistent with her symptoms. She picked up very quickly. She was with 2 others and all on the same food and the others were fine! I hope yours all improve and it is something as simple as vitamins.