Sudden lameness in growing large breeds

[RedReiner]

I have noticed that a lot of large breed cockerels have sudden lameness issues, I have had 3 of them since I have had chickens suddenly go lame on one leg. Mine are Orpingtons mostly of english import lines. None of the 3 were related. 1 of them was not from english lines but was a very large cockerel. The are just suddenly lame and unable to walk, no apparent injuries. having a discussion with friends I am guessing it might be nutrition and growth related, perhaps common in large breeds. all have gotten over it and walk without a limp, just took some time and rest. My 3 were all under 6 months of age and growing like mad when it happened. I feed layer crumbles and scratch or wet COB (corn oats barley with molasses) lots of kitchen scraps, mostly meat. they also free range daily for grass and bugs.
I wanted to know more so searched on here and found more posts about young cockerels with sudden lameness. most were large breed. Is it something lacking in nutrition? or do they just grow so large so fast that joints cant keep up? someone suggested for the really big fast growers that Turkey starter might help, higher protein was the thought. I am not real scientific when it comes to feeding the chickens, they get what they get and they all do fine on it. I would find something better if they did poorly... Anyway, maybe the cause is lack of protein or to much protein? or the size and growth? what do the experts out there know?

 

[RedReiner]

I guess I could ad HELP EMERGENCY!!!!!!!!!!!!! to the title in hopes of starting some discussion...lol ok lame attempt at humor . get it?

seriously though, anyone with a better theory or knowledge?

 

[BamaSilkies]

You could try going with game feed its like 27% I think. I dont raise have much experience with large fowl yet. If it were a bantam I might think its is vitamin defiency or to low a protein level. I use a high performance vitamin/electrolyte in the water 2 or 3 times a week for them I use a teaspon to a gallon of water. .

 

[seminolewind]

I guess that if its over with, it's not an emergency anymore?
It could have been vitamins, bad food, I don't know what else. I have Jersey Giants and they never did that. I hope your roost isn't too high. Mine for the heavies is knee high.

 

[RedReiner]

Quote:
well, it is the diseases and injuries cures forum but after I posted I did think it would be better off in the genetics forum, have requested that the thread be moved. My roosts are about knee high to start with also, and I built them a ramp to go up to get to the roost boards. just for that very reason, the heavies do go thump if they just try to fly off. Thats a good point to share about the roosts, they need to be low or access made so they do not have to jump far to get down. for being big heavy birds mine can jump/fly quite high!! I put a small roost up high for the serama to hide on only to watch the giant orps leap right up there!

 

[buttercup0884]

I have an English Orpington Roo, who has suddenly developed lameness as well, but he is 10 months old not 11. His roost is low to the ground, and he seems to be happy and healthy otherwise. I brought him inside last week (its been about 8 days) and he is eating and drinking normally, but he does seem to be sleeping ALOT!! We wrapped the foot he won't put any weight on, to keep it flexed bc I was worried he would put too much pressure on it curled up under him. I can't find anything else physically wrong with him...I have upped his protein from 16% to 20%, added nutridrench to his water every other day...given him salmon to snack on...is there anything else besides just making sure he is happy and resting?

 

[RedReiner]

Quote:
I dont have an educated answer for you, but mine, I just let them rest and kept them comfortable with food and water. they all recovered with no sign of a limp. some took a little longer than others.

 

[jessyleigh90]

Hello just wondering how long it took your roos to recover?

 

[burt4750]

Same question. My Blue Jersey Giant (8 months old) started looking like he was favoring his left leg. A week or so later I found him sitting on the ground and when he tried to walk he acted stiff in both legs. I put him in a dog crate in the garage 3 weeks ago. I leave the door open during the day and he will occasionally try and get up to walk but only takes a few steps, then he's on his haunches again. I am feeding him the same thing as I give my hens (layer feed) plus corn and mealworms and he eats like a giant (no pun intended!!} . This has been going on now for about 6 weeks. Is there anything else I can do for him? (No signs of injury, parasites, bumblefoot, etc.

It hurts me to see this beautiful bird not being able to walk well or see his harem.