Do Welsummmer have leg problems?

[smsabean]

Who has welsummers? Do they tend to have leg problems or have I just been unlucky with my rooster? I have a trio of Welsummer - got them as chicks. They are beautiful. My hens are gorgeous and I want to breed some more but my big boy seems to be a bit crippled. He is only 14 weeks old but he only goes a few steps at a time and lays down. He is really pretty but I don't know if I can keep him on his feet long enough to breed with him and I'm not sure this is what I want in my breeder. I may just winter over the hens and try to get a better rooster next summer. Just wondering if this is a common problem with them or not. And yes, he does have a yard and free ranges quite a bit so he is getting exercise.
Thanks.

 

[becky3086]

My rooster ended up not being able to walk at all on one leg. I am not sure if it is the breed or just some thing happened to that leg.

 

[sephiroth]

The 4 (2 months old) I have seem to be fine so far. Fine, other than 3 of them being roos (I think).

 

[becky3086]

Mine did not develop the leg problem until he was almost fully grown which is why I am wondering if it was an injury rather than some genetic type of problem.

 

[smsabean]

Thanks.
I will continue watching him and see what happens.

 

[Dirt Road]

smsabean and becky3086;
May I ask what and how you were/are feeding them when the problem started??

Thanks
Jim

 

[becky3086]

I really don't remember but since he was almost fully grown I imagine he was eating laying mash.

 

[Sillystunt]

I have 2 welsummer pullets. they are around 18-20 wekks and i have no leg problems

 

[smsabean]

I have them on medicated grower and give them a little cracked corn for a treat.

 

[becky3086]

Mine was in with 3 hens which I hoped would start laying fertile eggs so I am sure they were on laying mash. Mine will also get some scratch.