- Sep 23, 2010
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I hope someone can help my Rooster with some ideas as to what could be wrong with him.
He is a Brahma, about 6 years old and still eating/drinking ok. He has nice bright eyes and still has a grumble when I pick him up!
I noticed a few moths ago that he was "vibrating" when he stood up, his legs were shaking. I asked my breeder who was a little unhelpful - he said he was surprised my Rooster lasted as long as he did as he was considered a "reject". He seemed be unsurprised as to the problem but didn't give me any answers.
Now, in the past few months, his legs are worse. He hardly stands at all, just sits in the garden and relaxes. I bathed his legs today with warm water, which he didn't object to and noticed that his knee joints were swollen and flat at the back. I assume this is because he has been resting on them all day. Even though they look sore, they are not horrifically swollen or bleeding. Still not good though. He just hobbles around the garden and never stands tall like he used to. He seemed to be a little better after bathing but only took six or seven steps before sitting down again. He still climbs up/down the ramp to the house they sleep in though he will told his wings out/flap to keep balance. I will struggle to get a photo of his legs because I am on my own and its difficult for me to hold him and take a picture (he is very big and I am quite small XD)
My hens are fine and display no symptoms so I wondered if it was a genetic thing from inbreeding or something? I hate the thought of him being like this and I'm worried its genetic and there is nothing I can do. I don't want him to suffer but I don't want to put him to sleep unless I have to. He seems quite happy and bright really except his legs. I will carry on with the bathing for now as it will at least keep his legs clean and perhaps soothe them a little.
Any help,suggestions or advice would be much appreciated. Thank you =)
He is a Brahma, about 6 years old and still eating/drinking ok. He has nice bright eyes and still has a grumble when I pick him up!
I noticed a few moths ago that he was "vibrating" when he stood up, his legs were shaking. I asked my breeder who was a little unhelpful - he said he was surprised my Rooster lasted as long as he did as he was considered a "reject". He seemed be unsurprised as to the problem but didn't give me any answers.
Now, in the past few months, his legs are worse. He hardly stands at all, just sits in the garden and relaxes. I bathed his legs today with warm water, which he didn't object to and noticed that his knee joints were swollen and flat at the back. I assume this is because he has been resting on them all day. Even though they look sore, they are not horrifically swollen or bleeding. Still not good though. He just hobbles around the garden and never stands tall like he used to. He seemed to be a little better after bathing but only took six or seven steps before sitting down again. He still climbs up/down the ramp to the house they sleep in though he will told his wings out/flap to keep balance. I will struggle to get a photo of his legs because I am on my own and its difficult for me to hold him and take a picture (he is very big and I am quite small XD)
My hens are fine and display no symptoms so I wondered if it was a genetic thing from inbreeding or something? I hate the thought of him being like this and I'm worried its genetic and there is nothing I can do. I don't want him to suffer but I don't want to put him to sleep unless I have to. He seems quite happy and bright really except his legs. I will carry on with the bathing for now as it will at least keep his legs clean and perhaps soothe them a little.
Any help,suggestions or advice would be much appreciated. Thank you =)
