Hello, this is my first post here after lurking for the last few weeks.
I'm completely new to keeping quails and was gifted the Courtnix cock I have (age unknown). Everything has been fine and I was in the process of sourcing him some hens for company, but recently he was hobbling around with his right foot curled under walking on his 'ankle' joint. I left it for a couple of days to monitor but it seems to be a lot worse and he's now really struggling to get about (although he is eating/drinking/sleeping okay). I've had him out for a good look and his 'knee' joint is red and swollen -it looks painful and I'm thinking I might have to do the thing I'm trying to avoid...
I am still learning but it's a shame if I have to learn at the expense of his little life. There's no reason to think he's had any kind of injury to his leg at all either. I've included a couple of photos that might help diagnose the issue.
Thank you in advance,
-Luke.
I'm completely new to keeping quails and was gifted the Courtnix cock I have (age unknown). Everything has been fine and I was in the process of sourcing him some hens for company, but recently he was hobbling around with his right foot curled under walking on his 'ankle' joint. I left it for a couple of days to monitor but it seems to be a lot worse and he's now really struggling to get about (although he is eating/drinking/sleeping okay). I've had him out for a good look and his 'knee' joint is red and swollen -it looks painful and I'm thinking I might have to do the thing I'm trying to avoid...

I am still learning but it's a shame if I have to learn at the expense of his little life. There's no reason to think he's had any kind of injury to his leg at all either. I've included a couple of photos that might help diagnose the issue.
Thank you in advance,
-Luke.