Forrest - A bum leg does not always need to be a death sentence

[Mixed flock enthusiast]

Do you think Forrest has/had a slipped tendon? I always wondered what is wrong with his leg. It does seem deformed from the hock on down - if I am saying that correctly - no idea - just using horse analogy (a bit lazy, I'm sorry, I could look it up online, I suppose).

He did not seem to suffer or did not show it, though. But the leg was bent out from the next joint up and I think the toes curled in the opposite direction to compensate. Leg out, toes in.

I don’t know if he had a slipped tendon or something else? Mine with the slipped tendon were very painful. Straightening their leg, which I attempted as part of physical therapy, was agonizing for them. Forrest seems far more comfortable with his leg than they were...

 

[FoodFreedomNow]

I haven't had guinea fowl for a couple of years, but also had leg issues with a few keets (they'd be perfectly fine until some point around 3 weeks old, if I recall correctly) when I was hatching and raising them. I tried treating with leg braces and wraps, but none recovered function in the leg and ended up being euthanized due to QOL concerns.

In retrospect, I wonder if the 21% protein feed simply wasn't sufficient for them - if I had them again in the future, I'd definitely try a higher-protein feed.

 

[R2elk]

In retrospect, I wonder if the 21% protein feed simply wasn't sufficient for them - if I had them again in the future, I'd definitely try a higher-protein feed.

It really isn't that much about the protein level as it is about the lysine, methionine and niacin level that are also too low.

 

[FoodFreedomNow]

It really isn't that much about the protein level as it is about the lysine, methionine and niacin level that are also too low.

Can you expand on that? I'm familiar with those amino acids (usually included in formulated feed like chick starter) and vitamin B3 (I typically add via nutritional yeast, but mainly for waterfowl)...what are optimal levels for keet development?

 

[R2elk]

Can you expand on that? I'm familiar with those amino acids (usually included in formulated feed like chick starter) and vitamin B3 (I typically add via nutritional yeast, but mainly for waterfowl)...what are optimal levels for keet development?

I don't have them off of the top of my head but if you match the levels in Purina's Game Bird and Turkey Startena, you will be doing fine. I can't remember for sure but I think the niacin level is around 65 ppm but you will have to ask them.

If I was giving an additive, I would use a vitamin B complex which also includes the thiamine that along with niacin is beneficial to proper leg development in keets, poults and waterfowl.

 

[Sydney65]

Can you expand on that? I'm familiar with those amino acids (usually included in formulated feed like chick starter) and vitamin B3 (I typically add via nutritional yeast, but mainly for waterfowl)...what are optimal levels for keet development?

 

[RDchicken99]

Does anyone know if Forrest’s condition has a name??? I have a guinea pullet/cockerel that has the exact same thing: those curled in toes. He walks around just fine on it, and is the same size as the others, so I figured it grew in that way. I wish I would’ve seen his foot earlier, but you know how Guineas are constantly crowding each other. This post made me feel a lot better though!! It’s good to know there is hope for the little Guinea.

 

[Sydney65]

Does anyone know if Forrest’s condition has a name??? I have a guinea pullet/cockerel that has the exact same thing: those curled in toes. He walks around just fine on it, and is the same size as the others, so I figured it grew in that way. I wish I would’ve seen his foot earlier, but you know how Guineas are constantly crowding each other. This post made me feel a lot better though!! It’s good to know there is hope for the little Guinea.

Take pictures, close ups, of his leg, feet and toes and post here. I'm confident someone can advise. Even video of him walking if you can.