Bow legged Rooster?

[kirkster5]

I have a 5 month old Barred Rock Roo who has always walked a little funny. His legs are bowed-in and he seems unstable. He also seems to have lost some size in the last few weeks although we have had a real stretch of cold snowy weather so that may be the reason. His feathers look good. His wattles and crown also look healthy and deep red. Appetite is good. He hides out under the coop more than the others but I think that is because he cant really stand-up for himself as his legs just dont seem right and the other Roo is starting to get all full of himself(also 5 months). Any idea what the leg thing is or could it be just growing pains?

 

[kirkster5]

oh, I forgot to mention that when he is just standing his feet are almost together not spread out to better support him. Also he sort of taps his toes like they are sore or something.

 

[mypicklebird]

If something could have been done, it was more likely to have been helpful as a chick. He is basically grown now. Roosters don't really get growing pains.
Posting a photo might be helpful.
You need to think about why you have this rooster- if it is for breeding/fertile eggs or to help protect the flock- this is not a bird to keep, he will not be very helpful to the hens for breeding or for protection if he can barely stand and take care of himself, and he is not one you should pass on the genes from. Culling would be my recommendation.


If he is a pet you want to keep long term, you need to start pampering him, as he will likely get into trouble with the other rooster and maybe the hens as well. If he spends lots of time on the ground because he can't stand well, he may get keel injuries or hock/feet sores/bumble foot.

He may have inherited a problem, been injured as a chick, had a incubation problem, acquired a problem due to diet deficiency. Slipped tendons, splay leg ect. Most of these birds are not allowed to grow to adulthood when they are noticed as chicks.

again, a photo might be helpful- but likely if he has been this way since he was a chick- there is likely nothing that will help him improve now. Sorry.

 

[sammi]

if you opt to try to treat the roo..
it wouldn't hurt to try treating him for rickets:

for info about rickets and treatment:

http://happyhenhouse.proboards43.com/index.cgi?board=natural&action=display&thread=5248

I would separate him somewhere safe and warm..
and might consider making a hammock or sling to rest his legs a few times a day..or maybe even consider soft splints..

for more advice on leg and orthopedic problems, try DCT at:

http://www.voy.com/194762/