Toes and Beaks on 7 Week Olds

[Beccatrix]

Unfortunately, I had surgery when 2 of my Lavender Orpingtons were 4 weeks, now 7.5 weeks. I was unable to access my brooder, and my husband did the care and keeping for 3 weeks. These two birds are Meyer Hatchery birds (replacements; the one the week before has none of these issues).

They didn't have toe issues at 4 weeks, but now you can see it's significant. My husband doesn't know when it might have started. Some of my other birds now also have mild curvature. I'm guessing it's a riboflavin issue. Everyone is now on Nutri-Drench. Will they be ok long term with their toes like this?

Also, both have a little indentation on their beaks, and then the beaks extend a bit long. Should we file these off?

Thanks for any thoughts! We're happy to see a vet if needed.

 

[RubelliteRose]

I'm not sure about the beaks, but we have a 2 year old Olive egger with toes bent like that and she has no problems getting around. Our birds free range and she is able to run and dig just like the others. I think her toes started curving around 3 weeks, but it was so gradual, we didn't notice until much later. I'll post a picture of her feet if I can find it.

 

[Regina Larsen]

Unfortunately, I had surgery when 2 of my Lavender Orpingtons were 4 weeks, now 7.5 weeks. I was unable to access my brooder, and my husband did the care and keeping for 3 weeks. These two birds are Meyer Hatchery birds (replacements; the one the week before has none of these issues).

They didn't have toe issues at 4 weeks, but now you can see it's significant. My husband doesn't know when it might have started. Some of my other birds now also have mild curvature. I'm guessing it's a riboflavin issue. Everyone is now on Nutri-Drench. Will they be ok long term with their toes like this?

Also, both have a little indentation on their beaks, and then the beaks extend a bit long. Should we file these off?

Thanks for any thoughts! We're happy to see a vet if needed.

One of my jersey giant girls has the bent toes. She does just fine.
I think they are evolving to open doors.

 

[Beccatrix]

I'm not sure about the beaks, but we have a 2 year old Olive egger with toes bent like that and she has no problems getting around. Our birds free range and she is able to run and dig just like the others. I think her toes started curving around 3 weeks, but it was so gradual, we didn't notice until much later. I'll post a picture of her feet if I can find it.

One of my jersey giant girls has the bent toes. She does just fine.
I think they are evolving to open doors.

Thank you both! It sounds like adding some Brewer's Yeast to feed might also be helpful.

I'm just concerned because I was reading on Mercks about sciatic nerve issues and laying issues; I wonder if these 2 were more genetically predisposed.

 

[RubelliteRose]

I checked Pidgey's baby pictures and she didn't start developing the curve until 4-5 weeks. I do remember reading that bent toes can be a genetic problem, so you could try contacting Meyer to see if others have mentioned it.
I thought I had a close up picture of her feet, but you can see her feet pretty well in this one

 

[Beccatrix]

I posted on a FB page, and people are saying they look underweight by their headshots.

 

[CFLRanching]

Use toe nail clippers to trim the excess beak area. What are they housed in during the day, just curious? Sometimes a chickens beak will overgrow no matter how much it eats, or how active it is, we used to have one that overgrew every month we'd have to catch her and snip it. As far as the toes, not sure, we have a small bantam cochin whose toes were like that shortly after birth, but he gets around fine. I ask about housing because I wonder if it's something with how they perch or roost at night?

Have you contacted MH directly to ask them about the feet? They seem like a very nice hatchery (I watched a tour on youtube few weeks back, looks like she puts a lot of pride and hard work into her facility).

 

[JustBabyMargo]

I posted on a FB page, and people are saying they look underweight by their headshots.

Do not listen to people on Facebook! They don’t know what they are talking about when it comes to chickens. Your chicks are gorgeous and do not look underweight.

Bent toes can be genetic or due to vitamin deficiency.

I have chickens with severely bent toes, and they get around just fine! As long as your babies can walk okay, they should be fine.

 

[Beccatrix]

Use toe nail clippers to trim the excess beak area. What are they housed in during the day, just curious? Sometimes a chickens beak will overgrow no matter how much it eats, or how active it is, we used to have one that overgrew every month we'd have to catch her and snip it. As far as the toes, not sure, we have a small bantam cochin whose toes were like that shortly after birth, but he gets around fine. I ask about housing because I wonder if it's something with how they perch or roost at night?

Have you contacted MH directly to ask them about the feet? They seem like a very nice hatchery (I watched a tour on youtube few weeks back, looks like she puts a lot of pride and hard work into her facility).

Meyer is super responsive! We finished later in the day, but I'm planning to email or call tomorrow.

They were in their 20 sq ft brooder with a "baby roost", and just moved out to their 100 sq ft shed with flat side 2x4 roosts yesterday. I also forgot to add that they had to be treated for coccidiosis pretty young.

 

[Beccatrix]

Do not listen to people on Facebook! They don’t know what they are talking about when it comes to chickens. Your chicks are gorgeous and do not look underweight.

Bent toes can be genetic or due to vitamin deficiency.

I have chickens with severely bent toes, and they get around just fine! As long as your babies can walk okay, they should be fine.

Thanks! You'd think I'd know better, with all the drama. One lady is basically accusing me of nearly killing them for treatment for coccidiosis after we saw a vet (and I definitely consulted here!). I also have some Wyandottes that seem SO small at 7 weeks, but they seem overall healthy. I still worry.