CAN"T WALK AFTER DIGGING

[lsg1007]

I don't know exactly were to post this. Just a question, if anyone knows the answer. I have a ~15 wk EE pullet who I have noticed once she has spent more than 10-15 min digging/dust bathing, she is unable to stand up. It is though she is unable to straighten out the tibiotarsal articulation until she "walks it," rather crawls? it off. This makes her very susceptible to predators (or other chickens higher on the pecking order - which at this time is all of them). Just wondering if this is a common occurrence. She has always (~8-10 wks) been like this and as she acts otherwise healthy at this time, I was wondering if it is "normal." Because of the heat I give the chickens electrolytes which does have some vitamins - so I'm not sure a B12 deficiency would be her problem.

PS if you have a better forum for me to post this, suggestions welcome.

 

[Judy]

I wouldn't say it's normal. I imagine she has some sort of injury or defect. Perhaps something here will help:

https://sites.google.com/a/poultrypedia.com/poultrypedia/poultry-podiatry

 

[lsg1007]

Thanks for the info. I didn't see anything on this site specific to this chicken. She seems to walk well otherwise. Just with prolonged digging does this seem to be an issue. I will try some Vit B to water just in case it's a B12 deficiency. But still a great website to bookmark