HELP! Chickens not walking!

[Beau coop]

Slipped tendons maybe? if in pain.

If not, maybe vitamin deficency (spelling).

 

[dlhunicorn]

one possibility is mycotoxin...try a new feed (from different feed source) and replace all bedding (in case some feed has gotten in there or it is moldy) and see if that makes a difference after two or three days.

 

[SussexInSeattle]

Where are you storing the food? No possibility of mold? No chance of frost bite? The legs still appear otherwise healthy in color? How about in temperature?

PS when you go for new feed, get electrolytes (sp) and ask what supplements chickens may need over winter. It is about next to impossible to find a chicken vet around here.

 

[portlandpeeps]

there is an avian vet in Lake Oswego

http://www.avianmedicalcenter.net/

pretty sure they're the only one in Oregon

they may be able to give you some advice

 

[ewesfullchicks]

Don't forget that when you mix ANY thing else with your chicken starter/grower, then you are cutting your protein (unless it's something like dairy or meat!)

Therefore, if you have a 20% starter/grower protein, and you're mixing it with cracked corn (9% protein) 50/50 - your birds are now receiving 9.5% protein - NOT NEARLY enough.

Plus, carbohydrate AND protein both yield 4 calories per gram. A calorie is actually a yield of heat produced. (Don't worry about it - it's not relevant for cold weather).

Therefore - your birds are protein-deprived. Supplement fast with dairy/cat food, etc.

THEN put them on a high-protein grower ration. It's fine to supplement with fresh greens, fruit etc. This will provide extra vitamins and minerals. In fact it's a really good thing.

HOWEVER, 95% of your birds diet should come from a high quality balanced food specific to their stage of growth ...starter, grower, layer, etc.

Just imagine - replacing 50% of your CHILD'S diet with popcorn!!!!!

Although your chicken's problems may NOT only be nutrition related - it's a good place to start. PLUS - if nutrition is compromised, then so is the immune system.

What a shame you got such bad advice from the feed store. They really should know better.