Deformed Feet, How to Make Comfortable in the Long Run?

[Azhtann]

This is not an injury or an emergency. One of my Indio gigante chickens was born with very deformed feet. His breeder said he had trouble coming out of the egg, and she was unable to help fix his feet. He is not yet six months old, and looking to grow a lot larger. He gets around fine, jumping into their little food dish without difficulty. He walks with only a slightly altered gait. He is not able to roost, and the other two gigantes in with him seem happy to settle on the ground with him when it comes time to rest or go in the coop.

I did not know about his feet before bringing him home, so have regular roosting bars for them to sit on. Or did. I left one and took the other out to give them more room to lay on the floor. This weekend, I am going to be making them a sort of platform to use instead of round bars. I've used this weekend to flatten the ground of their pen to make it easier for him to navigate. I use wooden pellets for my chickens, but am going to start using sawdust or shavings for them to make it more comfortable for him. I intend to make them some platforms to sit on in their enclosure. Right now, just waiting for my folks to get home from vacation so I can steal the tools.

As he gets older, what other considerations should I make for him to make his quality of life remain the best it can be? I'm sure I'm not the only one with a slightly less than perfectly formed chicken.

 

[MilesFluffybutt]

Can you post a photo? I had a Silkie that had terrible feet and he did just fine with a few accommodations, like what you're doing now. The only additional things you can do is take care of his feet for him. Epsom salt soaks and pain relievers, like metacam, and keep a close eye for bumble foot.

 

[Azhtann]

Can you post a photo? I had a Silkie that had terrible feet and he did just fine with a few accommodations, like what you're doing now. The only additional things you can do is take care of his feet for him. Epsom salt soaks and pain relievers, like metacam, and keep a close eye for bumble foot.


View attachment 3928685

That looks very similar to my guy. I'll get some pictures when I get home today.

 

[Azhtann]

 

[MilesFluffybutt]

Apologies for the delayed reply. Got busy with a cat hoarding rescue. Anyway, everything you're currently doing is perfect. If you have a ramp in the coop or run, you might need to attach some shelf liner to it. It gave my guy a bit more traction when getting into the coop.

 

[Azhtann]

Apologies for the delayed reply. Got busy with a cat hoarding rescue. Anyway, everything you're currently doing is perfect. If you have a ramp in the coop or run, you might need to attach some shelf liner to it. It gave my guy a bit more traction when getting into the coop.

Oh, dear. I hope everything worked out well for the cats! I appreciate you taking the time to reply to me.

I was building the ramps with little pieces of board going across them for traction. Is that not a good option? I don't mind either or, I am fine getting him shelf liner as well.

 

[MilesFluffybutt]

Oh, dear. I hope everything worked out well for the cats! I appreciate you taking the time to reply to me.

I was building the ramps with little pieces of board going across them for traction. Is that not a good option? I don't mind either or, I am fine getting him shelf liner as well.

I used the boards going across but found my guy kept getting his toenails caught. I'd just monitor for a bit and see how he does.

Cats are all safe and warm now

 

[Azhtann]

Thank you so much. All your information is going to help us help him in the future.