Barred Rock with crooked toes!

[twendt]

Hi All! This is my 3rd group of pullets I've raised from day old chicks, I've never seen this in my chickens before, I just put the BR pullets outside and noticed one of the pullets (8wks) has one crooked toe on each right and left foot! The other two, same breed, are fine. I felt the toes they are soft and not stiff, I was able to straighten them out easily. I read this could've been a incubation issue or Vitamin B deficiency. I'm leaning toward Incubation issue since the other two pullets are perfect. Should I add Vit B ? Should I bother trying to splint the toes to try to straighten? Advice please. Thanks!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I occasionally get one with crooked toes. I left them alone and it didn't really bother or hinder them. Just check toe nails occasionally, they may need trimming throughout it's life.

 

[twendt]

Thanks! In the future I’ll inspect their feet when selecting day old chicks, live and learn!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Thanks! In the future I’ll inspect their feet when selecting day old chicks, live and learn!

Well sometimes it occurs as they grow and you won't see it initially. A good inspection is always good when purchasing chicks locally.

 

[Eggcessive]

It is too late to try to straighten toes by taping or making a shoe. That can be done in the first week or two of life, but once the bones become calcified, it would be painful to try and straighten them. Very good advice from @oldhenlikesdogs .

 

[Gray Farms]

Much to late to straighten them now. Its typically comes from taking to long to hatch. It can also be hereditary.

 

[twendt]

She's actually become our favorite hen!! One of the toes is really bad, should I have it amputated by a vet? I feel so bad when I see her feet, she so friendly and vocal, I absolutely LOVE HER!!

 

[Gray Farms]

She'll get along better with it than without it.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

She's actually become our favorite hen!! One of the toes is really bad, should I have it amputated by a vet? I feel so bad when I see her feet, she so friendly and vocal, I absolutely LOVE HER!!

Do you have photos?
If she can walk and get around well, is eating/drinking, etc. then likely it's best to leave the toe like it is.

 

[twendt]

No photos of her toes, sorry, she's the first one to greet me , she comes running to the gate when I come with fresh water or treats. She has no trouble ambulating. I just never saw it before in any of my previous hens, I've only been a keeper for going on 3 yrs come March. I only have 7. As long as it doesn't seem to "hurt", I will leave it alone.