Toes? How many?

[amysue2012]

Ok here goes please help me understand this...

I have 5 chick mutts 4 toes each foot

1 OEG chick 5 toes each foot

8 silkie chicks 7 have 5 toes each foot, 1 has 4 toes each foot

I dont under stand why the difference other than maybe cause my mutts are heavy layers, and others are fancy? But that still doesnt explain the 1 silkie.

Do I have deformed chicks?

 

[amysue2012]

Help anyone?

 

[antiquebuff]

I thought all Silkies had 5 toes. Maybe someone with more experience will see this and help you out!

 

[Josie]

A local breeder sells her 4 toed silkies as pet quality silkies. Missing that toe is a show disqualification. (or so I hear)

This trait is partially recessive, so it does occur in purebred silkies.

 

[Ese_N_Gracie]

Different chicken breeds have differnt number of toes. THere is even six toed asian breed...can't remember the name...the legs and toes are where most deformities show up...especially with incubators (mother knows best when to turn those babies) Then there are the genetic...my Rooster (Ese) is missing a toenail...I always joked about it being pulled off on the conveyor belt....but all his male babies are missing the same nail....I'm sure someone in genetic engineering could explain why....