Older hen’s toes won’t uncurl

[Eggcessive]

All chickens prefer scratch grains to layer feed because it is like candy. Scratch has 7% protein and few vitamins and minerals, while layer feed has 16% protein and a balanced diet. The layer feed should be fed as 90% of her intake. Otherwise she might possibly have a deficiency.

 

[DotTheHen]

I’m starting to think that it’s not just her foot, but her entire leg. The flip flop idea did not work. But we soaked some layer pellets in water and she was eating that up great. I separated her and have her her wet down food. I think she has Mareks disease. Her skin looks weird, droopy wing, the leg paralysis, the collapsed comb, and weight loss. I don’t know what I can do for her since there isn’t a cure except keep her company.

 

[Eggcessive]

Mareks can appear 3 or more weeks after exposure to a carrier. From what I have read it can lie dormant for awhile. How old were the chicks that you added back in June? Right now, I would make aure that she is getting food and water, and give her vitamin B2 riboflavin. Most times Mareks is only diagnosed after death with testing and a necropsy by the state poultry vet. In Texas, a lab can do a pcr blood test for Mareks for around $20, on blood that you collect. Here is a link for that if you want to contact them:
http://www.vetdna.com/application/forms/aviansubmittalform.pdf

 

[DotTheHen]

The June chickens were about 6 weeks old when we brought them home, but we didn’t add them to the flock until they were around 11 weeks old. I’m giving her layer pellets soaked in water, water, and I’m getting the vitamin b today. She seemed like she was trying to walk after she got some food in her. Thank you everyone for the help