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.

 

[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.

 

[JustBabyMargo]

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.

No way, you are doing everything right! I can tell that your chickies are very loved. They look to be about the right size to me. Try not to worry so much, you’re doing great.

 

[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.

 

[CFLRanching]

Not seeing anything that stands out in their environment that would cause it. Looks nice, clean, spacious, good roosting. Don't you wish sometimes that you could be like Dr. Dolittle and they could just verbally tell you what's going on

 

[Beccatrix]

No way, you are doing everything right! I can tell that your chickies are very loved. They look to be about the right size to me. Try not to worry so much, you’re doing great.

I find them very soothing!

Not seeing anything that stands out in their environment that would cause it. Looks nice, clean, spacious, good roosting. Don't you wish sometimes that you could be like Dr. Dolittle and they could just verbally tell you what's going on

Thanks! I always have wished that, but I just ordered guinea keets and now I'm thinking teleportation!

Oh, man. I left that FB post up. Along with undernourished and never treat coccidiosis, I was also told they're pale and sickly.

 

[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