My 8 week old gold brabanter has two toes that are beginning to curl inward

[chickenpotter]

This bird did not have splayed or curled toes as a young chick, but within the last two weeks I have noticed that his two inside toes seem to be rolling over and curling backward. His feet are very large and he walks awkwardly. Should I splint his toes? I have looked at several diseases ( Mareks for one and another cancerous disease that occurs in Brabanters and the symptoms don't fit).

So if you have had experience with this issue, please advise me on whether to treat or not.

Thanks!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Any photos?

It's possible it could be from Riboflavin (Vitamin B) deficiency, if he were mine I would start him on B vitamins.
As far as whether or not to splint, that would have to be up to you, but it looks like it may be possible to do, here is a link you may find helpful:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/leg-foot-and-toe-issues-in-poultry-of-all-ages

 

[Lady of McCamley]

x2 on vitamin deficiency

I have had chicks with toe problems develop when they are on amprolium based medicated feed. The amprolium inteferes with the vitamin b uptake in the protozoa (coccidia) and I suspicion can also interfere with those chicks either low in vitamins or sensitve to the med.

If it is vitamin B deficiency, putting Chick Saver or such other vitamins/electrolytes in the water is a quick fix. Usually you see improvement withing a day or two with complete resolution within the week.

I have also had curled toe creep in later with rarer breeds that have less genetic diversity. It is a sign of over breeding within the line. Usually the chicks show it at hatch (which often can be attributed to poor incubation temperatures) but I've had it come on later too.

My vote right now is vitamin deficiency. You can give a loading dose by making the dosage a little extra with the first day, then scale back by day 3 to regular dose.

Good luck.
LofMc

 

[chickenpotter]

Any photos?

Thank you! I'll start this right away.
It's possible it could be from Riboflavin (Vitamin B) deficiency, if he were mine I would start him on B vitamins.
As far as whether or not to splint, that would have to be up to you, but it looks like it may be possible to do, here is a link you may find helpful:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/leg-foot-and-toe-issues-in-poultry-of-all-ages

 

[chickenpotter]

x2 on vitamin deficiency

I have had chicks with toe problems develop when they are on amprolium based medicated feed. The amprolium inteferes with the vitamin b uptake in the protozoa (coccidia) and I suspicion can also interfere with those chicks either low in vitamins or sensitve to the med.

If it is vitamin B deficiency, putting Chick Saver or such other vitamins/electrolytes in the water is a quick fix. Usually you see improvement withing a day or two with complete resolution within the week.

I have also had curled toe creep in later with rarer breeds that have less genetic diversity. It is a sign of over breeding within the line. Usually the chicks show it at hatch (which often can be attributed to poor incubation temperatures) but I've had it come on later too.

My vote right now is vitamin deficiency. You can give a loading dose by making the dosage a little extra with the first day, then scale back by day 3 to regular dose.

Good luck.
LofMc

Thank you so much for reinforcing the vitamin B fix and explaining it further. It certainly makes sense. I'm starting the vitamins this morning! I'll report back in a day or three!

 

[chickenpotter]

More than a few days has gone by! Sorry to be tardy in thanking you all for such good advice. I did put my boy on the amped up vitamins and it helped him very much. Thanks again!