highstepping hens *PLEASE HELP*

[bantamlady]

I have 10 Banty hens and a rooster that are free range. Recently rescued 3 bantam-leghorn hens that were showbirds and kept in a cage. The bantam- leghorns have a very strange highstep walk which I attributed to lack of exercise in their previous life, I just noticed that one of my sitting banties displayed the same walk when she got off her nest for food. Is this simply from lack of moving around or is it a disease spreading from the bantam-leghorns?

 

[meriruka]

I have a rescued OEGB that was kept in a cage and lost some toes from the resulting infection. I'm sure there is nerve damage as well. She highsteps the way you described. I've never heard of that being a symptom of disease and I'm not sure why your broody would do that unless sitting on her legs all day made them a little numb?

 

[Moonwalker]

When I first put my chicks out on the grass they high stepped till they got used to it. I guess it tickles! I would imagine a hen might strut to stretch her legs when she comes off the nest and maybe you just haven't caught her at it before?

 

[bantamlady]

Thanks for the replies, I was hoping that it was nothing more than stiff legs!