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It is not cost effective to treat individuals, especially when a relatively large production flock is involved. Affected pullet is part of breeding program. If infirmities detected, then birds with infirmities will be culled. I do not know if there is a genetic component to this but suspect it is possible and genetic problems will over time be eliminated or at least controlled. In this case culling means her wing band number will be removed from list of potential breeders and I will be watching for occurence in her close kin. If condition is not communicable, then she will be allowed to growout but she still will not be part of breeding program.
Owing to rearing system involving quality free-range forage and supplement feed, I am inclined to doubt this is a nutritional problem. Mechanical cause is more plausible. Older males of program molest younger birds frequently and roost site for these guys is anywhere from 9 to 12 feet above ground. These guys are being selected for free range performance. Predators have not been a significant selection force owing to dog but the birds must be resistant to environmental conditions, local parasites and be able to fly up and into elevated roost that provides measure of protection from ground predators and great horned owls. This condition prevents flight making avoidance of weather and predators at night nearly impossible.
