Newbie - lot to learn!

[Hollyb-c]

I bought my first chicken yesterday. She is a white crested Polish - about 5 months old, the seller told me. I noticed last night when I got her home and could really take a look at her, she is missing the end of one of her left middle toes. It is normal looking until just the tip, which has no nail or knuckle and is a little crooked on the end. I am not showing and probably won't breed her, especially if this is genetic. Anyone have any ideas about what could have caused this? Is it common for the little ones to get their toes eaten off, or a common genetic condition? Is this condition even worth the seller mentioning to me when I bought her, or is it too minor and common to mention? I guess I could ask him.................

 

[lynnemabry]

Sorry, I don't know about the toe, but I was going to suggest you get at least one more hen about the same size or age as the first. They really like to have a friend.

 

[chickenzoo]

Could be genetic or from injury etc.... Probably won't bother her any. I've had a dog in the past that would get under the wire bottom pen and take off a toe from one of the chickens- dog no longer with us.

 

[theoldchick]

If the injury is healed all should be well. The bird might not do well in the show business but that doesn't matter if she is a pet. The missing tip could be genetic or could be from being housed on wire. The toe got snagged and off it came! I second the motion on getting a second friend for her.

 

[Imp]

Welcome to the chicken addiction.

Congrats on joining us & getting a chicken.

Now sally forth and post!

Imp- Who is this Sally Forth?

 

[Hollyb-c]

Thanks for the reply! I went to another chicken farm the same day I bought the one missing part of her toe (named her Gabby because of her high pitched little cackle sound she makes alot) and bought a golden laced Polish hen and a Blue Wheaton Ameracauna hen. They all seem to be getting OK. I noticed last night that the Gabby, slept outside the coop on the ground. Could the other girls be keeping her out? Or do some just like to sleep out of the coop? I have also noticed that she shakes her head alot more than the other Polish one does. AND, she has a crusty patch of feathers just below her throat that is missing a little patch of feathers. I have examined her closely for critters, but don't really know what the heck I am looking for. Lot more to this chicken thing than meets the eye! (Or MY eye, anyway.) Thanks

 

[Imp]

Occasionally one of mine will roost outside the coop. Just last night, got home from work about 10pm, missing one chicken. Found her roosting on the wheelbarrow in the shed.
You can move them onto the roost easily at night.

Not sure about the head shaking, crusty spot.

Here's some info about lice & mites:

http://ohioline.osu.edu/vme-fact/0018.html

Imp

 

[SilkieChickenLover336]

Congrats!!!!!! Can i please have a picture of the toe? does her foot look swollen or anything???