help with a silkies toe

[natalie1136]

I bought some silkies, they were packed in a cage. I didnt notice until i got them home that 2 of them have a toe that is curled to the side. Is this a genetic defect.

Thanks Nataile

 

[william9792]

how old are they?

 

[nzpouter]

maybe, or just improper incubation.

 

[minna]

It could also be improper caging. I have a BR hen with a toe that is curled to the side, pretty sure it is broken, although it doesn't seem to bother her. I've seen it quite a few times in places with "breeders" who just don't care. They put the chickens in a cage and then shove the cage into the back of a truck or something, not caring if the chickens have their toes curled around the bottom of the cage. I don't know if it can be fixed. My hen doesn't seem to mind hers, so I prefer to just leave well enough alone.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Cut a small piece of cardboard to the size & shape of her foot (approximately). Place her foot on the cardboard, properly aligned and tape it to the cardboard. Depending on her age it may take a day or two to correct or a couple of months.

Make sure the tape has a strong enough adhesive to stay on, and make sure that there is sufficient traction on the bottom of her foot for her legs to not splay when she tries to walk.

 

[natalie1136]

I believe these silkies are around 7 months. If i could of got a better look before i bought them i wouldn't have. I was going to breed these for my son for 4-H. I have other silkies though so i will just seperate.

 

[LilPeeps]

Quote:
Unfortunately, there's absolutely no way this will work for 7 month old birds.

It's not usually a genetic defect, it's typically either that something was a little off during the end of incubation or that after hatch, the chicks were left on the wire of the incubator, or some other surface where they have a hard time getting their footing.

You can still breed them, they just cannot be shown.

 

[natalie1136]

Thanks so much. I hope it all works for the good.

Natalie