Australorp, limping and developing yellow pads and legs

[inis mor]

Hi all
I have two Australorp (15 weeks) that started limping and developed yellow pads and the backs of there legs are yellow too.
The frist one has a limp and the pads and back of her leg on one side are yellow, her foot is slightly swollen. (1 week)
The second one started limping and one leg was yellow (pads and back of her leg), two days later both legs were yellow. (3 days)

Whats causing this?
Will it spread?
???

THANK YOU.

 

[chickenzoo]

Don't have a clue....the change of color may be normal due to their development, but the limping is not. Did you check the bottom of their feet for sores...what are they kept on...

 

[inis mor]

The others of equal age are not limping and there is no yellowing of legs or pads of feet so we ruled out normal development. Yes, we checked their feet and legs for sores, cuts, splinters, etc but they seemed quite normal and show no signs of pain when gently squeezed up and down where the yellowing is. We have been soaking the first who showed signs in epsom salted warm water for 15 minutes per day but it is not improving. They are bedded on hay in a coop, which is cleaned every 7-10 days and they have a large run of grass/dirt. They do not have perches to roost on yet and sleep huddled together on the hay covered floor of coop.

 

[chickenzoo]

Could you get a pic of it...it may help us understand the condition better...

 

[inis mor]

Ok Emu Hugger, I will take a pic. Have been doing some reading also and it seems Australorps with yellow feet are not actually full breed. Doesn't explain the limping though. Will get on it. Thanks.

 

[inis mor]

Here is a picture of the two feet. The yellow one is the one being limped on. I have closely inspected it so so many times and see nothing and it doesn't seem sensitive to my touch but it puts no weight on the base of foot, limps along pushing off on tips of nails.

 

[chickenzoo]

That is strange, as I would have thought the non yellow foot with the enlarged pad would be the hurt one. I don't think the yellowing has anything to due with their limping....and you said two are doing this..? I wish I had an answer.... How could two chickens get injured the same way... Unless it is a growth problem. What are they eating? Sometimes too much protein in growing birds can cause leg issues? That is my only thought as of now...I'll keep pondering and hopefully someone else may have a suggestion.....