Fused toes - a genetic defect or incubation issue? Pics

[greenfamilyfarms]

I purchased a blue mottled d'uccle cockerel and had him shipped to me in go with my pullet. Upon closer investigation, I found that two of his toes are fused together on one of his feet. I've never seen anything like this before. He has no trouble getting around and you can't even tell unless you look at the bottom of his feet. I know with toes like that I will probably not be able to show him. I paid $25, plus express shipping. His feathers on his feet are dirty due to him being on the ground.

1. Do you think it is a genetic defect or an incubation issue?
2. Do you think it could be passed on to future generations?
3. Should I inform the seller? I don't think she would intentionally sell me a roo with fused toes, but I would like your advice on this issue.

 

[Wynette]

In my opinion, it's probably due to an incubation issue; I say this because the one toe is very crooked, which most times is an incubation issue. It COULD be genetic, but I'd think less likely.

 

[greenfamilyfarms]

Quote:
That was my second thought. I wasn't really expecting to get one that had messed up toes, but I'm a big softy. I'll most likely to keep him because he's special. The question is though, should I use him for breeding?

 

[Wynette]

It's an excellent question. I guess it really depends on what your program is all about, and availability of other roos. If he's all you have to build your flock from, I'd try it...if it's genetic, you'll know right away. If you have other roos to use, I'd probably not use this guy, just in case. All a matter of what you're comfortable with, I guess.

 

[muell112]

I have a partridge cochin with EXACTLY the same deformity. So, maybe it is an incubation issue? She is a big healthy girl now and is able to perch/walk just fine.

 

[Wynette]

muell, it's hard to know with certainty, all I'm saying is that it is a very common incubation issue. I've got a few with crooked toes that were hatched for me, and we know for sure there was a problem along the line somewhere during incubation. I did some research and found that it's quite common.

 

[AHappychick]

I got several FBCM from Cree farms with that problem, after researching it I found that it most likely comes from too much line breeding. Some of them died and I suspect that they had other genetic problems as well. Hopefully yours is just the toes.

 

[Wynette]

Another thing I came across when I was doing my research on it is that if they had recently been on antibioitics, this is a common defect when the antibiotics aren't fully gone from their systems before the egg was laid.

 

[greenfamilyfarms]

Quote:
Wow! That's interesting!

 

[Wynette]

I thought so when I read it, too!