cockerel and pullet both walking/standing like penguins?? (pics and video)

[pdx2phx]

I've skimmed other posts about chickens walking like penguins, but this is not an 'egg' issue. My neighbor has 2 young chickens that are walking/standing like penguins. One is a cockerel, and one is a pullet that has not started laying yet. Their bellies are not swollen. Breast bones are a little prominent/I think they're a little underweight.

Does anyone know what might be going on?



Pullet standing above.



Cockerel standing on my hand

Video showing the pullet walking like a penguin.


I would appreciate any assistance/advice - I've never seen this before.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I've never seen this either.
A question though, did this walking style just start or have they both walked like this all their life?

 

[pdx2phx]

I've never seen this either.
A question though, did this walking style just start or have they both walked like this all their life?

They used to walk normally, both just started doing this. They look so uncomfortable

The other chickens still walk normally in the pen.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

They used to walk normally, both just started doing this. They look so uncomfortable

The other chickens still walk normally in the pen.

That is interesting.
My first thoughts would be genetic, but I wouldn't rule out vitamin deficiencies or disease.
Since you mention they may be underweight, a poultry vitamin in their water wouldn't hurt. Or if they won't drink it, you can direct dose with Poultry Nutri-Drench.

I did a quick search about walking upright, one article mentions a cartilage disease, but does not name it.
Just some thoughts

http://metro.co.uk/2014/05/15/meet-the-chicken-who-thinks-hes-a-penguin-4729017/
http://www.justanswer.com/bird-vet/4987i-chicken-an-18-month-old-rhode-island-red-hen-walking.html

Vitamins:
http://www.tillysnest.com/2014/03/vitamin-deficiencies-in-backyard-chicks-html/
http://www.thepoultrysite.com/articles/3508/importance-of-vitamins-in-poultry-production/

 

[Eggcessive]

I would probably agree that it may be a vitamin or even more a mineral deficiency. There are diseases such as roachback and scoliosis where the spine is deformed. It may be too late to help with a vitamin and mineral given daily, but I would sure give it a try. The pullet also looks like she may be walking on her hocks or elbows, which can be a sign of riboflavin (vitamin B2) deficiency, but it is hard to see in the video. The feed stores are stcocked with several products that can be used in either the feed or the water, or given orally. A good balanced poultry feed with calcium given extra in the form of crushed oyster shell for the laying hens should be given free choice.