Bowed leg on chicken

[newtochickensinOR]

We have three chickens (about 4 months old), and one of them (a male) has developed a bowed leg that is causing him to limp. It looks like it is bowed out from the hip, so I suspect an injury. I'm also wondering if it is one of the scale diseases. His feet are splayed much more than the other 2, and his legs are thicker (scales?). He is still getting around, eating, etc. I am new to chickens, and haven't handled the chicks a lot, but they are used to me and follow me around when I am in the yard - so, I am not sure about doing the bathing and other treatments suggested on the forums. Should I try nutrition and/or vitamins/antibiotics first?

 

[coach723]

Can you post some pictures of the bird and leg and feet in question?

 

[newtochickensinOR]

Thank you for your reply. Here are a few images,

 

[Eggcessive]

What breed is the bird? Leg bone deformities can be common in all poultry, especially in meat birds, and they can affect one or both legs. Varus deformity can cause a bowlegged appearance. Rickets can also be possible. Here is some reading:
http://www.thepoultrysite.com/articles/1051/leg-health-in-large-broilers/
https://www.merckvetmanual.com/poul...ement-poultry/mineral-deficiencies-in-poultry

 

[newtochickensinOR]

We were told they are white Orpingtons

 

[Eggcessive]

I had just wondered if they had come from a feed store. Occasionally some can accidentally get a meat bird, cornish cross which are white, and are typically huge compared to other breeds. Those may be prone to leg problems or leg bone deformities. They have yellow legs, different than your chickens. Here is a longer article with pictures on leg bone deformities:
https://www.researchgate.net/public..._of_the_Intertarsal_Joint_in_Broiler_Chickens

 

[newtochickensinOR]

What breed is the bird? Leg bone deformities can be common in all poultry, especially in meat birds, and they can affect one or both legs. Varus deformity can cause a bowlegged appearance. Rickets can also be possible. Here is some reading:
http://www.thepoultrysite.com/articles/1051/leg-health-in-large-broilers/
https://www.merckvetmanual.com/poul...ement-poultry/mineral-deficiencies-in-poultry


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I had just wondered if they had come from a feed store. Occasionally some can accidentally get a meat bird, cornish cross which are white, and are typically huge compared to other breeds. Those may be prone to leg problems or leg bone deformities. They have yellow legs, different than your chickens. Here is a longer article with pictures on leg bone deformities:
https://www.researchgate.net/public..._of_the_Intertarsal_Joint_in_Broiler_Chickens

Thank you for your reply - they come from a friend's farm flock