Ameraucanas curved toes??

[pozarnsk]

I have 25 Ameraucanu/Eastereggers from Ideal poultry and have realized as they are getting older that they all have curves toes. Is this standard for this breed?

 

[soonerdog]

No, it is not a standard situation at all for all 25 chicks to have this problem! Nothing to do with the breed at all.
I am certainly no expert on this situation but I have experienced curved toes and feet in occasional hatchings with my own birds. I have worked to add new bloodlines into my breeding efforts in hopes of avoiding issues like this. I have read that some people think that the curved toes and feet are genetic defects because the parent birds were too closely related and then bred to each other. And others believe the defects occur because of faulty issues throughout the incubation process. However, photos would be very helpful.
I have seen posts on the BYC forum where others have ordered or they plan to order in the spring from Ideal, this very breed. They certainly need to be aware of your experience before they order. If I were you, I would take pictures and contact Ideal hatchery with your concerns. Sounds to me like Ideal hatchery owes you another batch of birds without defects if the entire batch shares the issue of curved feet and toes. Wishing you and the chicks the best!

 

[pozarnsk]

Thanks, I'll take pictures and post. I really don't care if there curved as long as it doesn't hurt them, just looking for the blue/green eggs.

 

[Gallus_domesticus]

Curled toes can be caused by a riboflavin deficiency in the diet.