4 wk old Cornish Cross, legs are not working!

[Raven_]

This may be a stupid question but I have a batch of Cornish meat birds that are about 4 wks old and gaining weight as they should be. I have one that I noticed yesterday that didn't seem quite right, when I went to move her she was unable to walk and both legs just stretched out behind her. I checked for injury, bruising, or any damage and could only find slight swelling in one hock. She is eating and drinking and seems bright enough but will not move. I have had meat birds before and never has this issue, I am wondering if anyone has run across this issue and if so what can be done if anything? Just at a point where I need to decide if she needs to be put down or if we can get her to butchering time.

 

[AlleysChicks]

Sometimes they grow out of their legs. They gain so much that their legs can’t keep up with the added weight.

If you want to try to keep her going until butcher you can sling her. Make sure to have a spot in the sling where she can poo and it not get stuck to her.
You want her off the ground (because she can’t get up and run away) so the other birds don’t trample her as they grow.

 

[drumstick diva]

good advice

 

[Raven_]

Thank you, she is still hanging in there. Yesterday she seemed like she was actually getting her legs back under her. I have her separated and thick bed of shavings so she will not be picked on and I can give her a little more TLC. She is one of the smaller birds and her weight doesn't appear to be an overload (unlike a few others, lol). What about adding anything to her feed or water, anyone have any luck with that?

 

[Austradork1819]

You could make her into a little chicken nugget before you put more feed and effort into her.