Delaware Leg Issues?

[GAchickennewbie]

My Delaware Ferrari is only a year old. I've noticed that she "marches" when she walks. I thought it could be a breed-specific thing until I saw her put the backs of her lower legs on the ground to eat.

The safety and well-being of my birds is top priority. How can I tell if she's in pain? If she's not in pain, I'm happy to accept this as her being unique. If she is in pain, her pain needs to be ended immediately.

If it makes any difference, she is a hatchery bird. I bought her from someone who had bought her from a hatchery.

I do know that Delawares are a dual purpose bird, which has me wondering if leg issues could be hereditary? She's not a breeder, just a layer and a pet.

 

[1muttsfan]

I have had Delawares for several years and have found mine to be very durable, without leg issues. I would definitely check her for bumblefoot, or any other foot issues - especially check the bottoms of her feet.

 

[GAchickennewbie]

I have had Delawares for several years and have found mine to be very durable, without leg issues. I would definitely check her for bumblefoot, or any other foot issues - especially check the bottoms of her feet.

I checked her for bumblefoot last night and didn't find anything.

What else should I be checking for?

 

[1muttsfan]

Is she eating and drinking well? Laying eggs? Does she move around freely with the flock? There are some neurological problems that can cause hyperreflexia. Some of those may cause her to get worse. If she acts normally otherwise and does not get worse it may be very hard to determine what has caused it, but I would be less concerned in that case. Hopefully she will do well.

 

[GAchickennewbie]

She is eating and drinking normally. Laying huge eggs. Moves around freely with the flock and has her own place within the flock.

My biggest concern is her comfort.

 

[ocap]

her symptoms do not prove to me that there is any pain, keep us posted, there must be further evidence before you end her life.

 

[GAchickennewbie]

her symptoms do not prove to me that there is any pain, keep us posted, there must be further evidence before you end her life.

Um....ending her life would be a last resort and only if she is pain. I thought I made that clear. Apparently not.

 

[GAchickennewbie]

1muttsfan-Are your Delawares hatchery birds?

Something else I've been wondering is if it's a specific "line" since you told me yours don't have leg issues. I hadn't even thought of neurological issues causing it. That kinda makes sense that it could happen since hatcheries are more concerned with egg production.

 

[1muttsfan]

I have only Dels from Sand Hill Preservation, they have always been excellent layers, friendly and healthy. With any breed, you can find breeders who use subpar individuals, & I know that has been a problem in Delawares in some cases.

Birds that are in pain do not eat, drink and socialize normally with the flock. It sounds to me as if she is not suffering in any way. Let me know if she has any further issues, I would be curious to hear.

 

[GAchickennewbie]

I have only Dels from Sand Hill Preservation, they have always been excellent layers, friendly and healthy. With any breed, you can find breeders who use subpar individuals, & I know that has been a problem in Delawares in some cases.

Birds that are in pain do not eat, drink and socialize normally with the flock. It sounds to me as if she is not suffering in any way. Let me know if she has any further issues, I would be curious to hear.

Thank you! That makes me feel a lot better! Glad to hear she's not in pain! I'll continue observing her and if I see anything else that worries me, I will definitely let you know.

Thank you so much for your help! Knowing she's okay takes a huge load off my shoulders. I take the care of my flock very seriously.