Guinea fowl not walking

[MaineFahmah]

I have looked everywhere for a similar problem, and though it seems guineas are notorious for weak legs, I have not found a similar one. I've raised all different kinds of poultry for over 30 years. Chickens, geese, ducks, turkeys, and guineas. I have never seen anything like this.

I purchased the keets from a certain website that used to be good, but has clearly gone down the drian (initials may be: Craigs List). The woman was a hot mess. It took us about a week to finally meet, and she was two hours late. I know, red flag, but I had driven a half hour already. Within hours one of the six keets died, and another the next day. Four still live, a month later but two cant walk upright. They hop using their wings as balance, taking one or two steps at a time. They eat (24% protein feed) and drink fine. I also give them mealworms daily. They used to walk fine, it's been the last week or 10 days.

Was this a bad start? Are they doomed to walk upon their hocks for eternity? or is there something I can give them to boost health or nutrition or get them walking again?

Thank you for any help.

 

[50-45-1]

Guinea keets require a higher percentage of protein in their starter than chicks, 28% game bird starter is what i use. This is a non-medicated.
i have heard the medicated can cause problems with keets.
Who knows what the previous owner was feeding. Get them the correct feed and i hope their legs straighten out and they recover.
Good luck!

 

[MaineFahmah]

Guinea keets require a higher percentage of protein in their starter than chicks, 28% game bird starter is what i use. This is a non-medicated.
i have heard the medicated can cause problems with keets.
Who knows what the previous owner was feeding. Get them the correct feed and i hope their legs straighten out and they recover.
Good luck!

Thank you, 50-45-1! I'll have to special order a 28% feed, but I will be sure to!

 

[MaineFahmah]

I just wanted to give an update! I changed the guineas feed to a higher protein and gave them meal worms daily. A month later they were walking and jumping just fine I let them out for the first time two days ago. I wanted to make sure they were easily getting to a roost before I let them out in case they didn't make it back to the coop. They are on day three of free ranging and they happily go to the coop at night.
Thanks for the advice!

 

[Mixed flock enthusiast]

I just wanted to give an update! I changed the guineas feed to a higher protein and gave them meal worms daily. A month later they were walking and jumping just fine I let them out for the first time two days ago. I wanted to make sure they were easily getting to a roost before I let them out in case they didn't make it back to the coop. They are on day three of free ranging and they happily go to the coop at night.
Thanks for the advice!

That’s such a great success story! Wonderful to hear since so many keets with leg issues don’t seem to do well. I wonder if they might have had a niacin deficiency? At any rate, great job getting them back on track!