Vitamin Deficiency Rooster

[blondie55555]

It appears I have a vitamin deficiency issue on my 14 week old Rooster. I got him around 7 weeks and he was vaccinated for Mereks. I’ve been keeping an eye on him for sometime. I kept thinking I saw something abnormal about his feet/walk. He seemed to walk kind of soft footed, but I couldn’t quite determine what if anything was going on. No bumblefoot, didn’t see any breaks etc. I suspected Vitamin sufficiency and started him on B12 Complex with Poultry Cell in his water 3 days ago. Today I noticed he is sitting with his legs out front in lieu of under him and his toes are beginning to curl. He is still eating and walking thus far, but he kind of swings his leg around and kinda slaps his foot down when walking. I’ve had him on Kalmbach Feeds All Natural 18% Protein Start Right Chick Feed and switched to Kalmbach All Natural 20% Protein Flock Maker Crumbles about a week ago. They rarely get anything other than their feed, but occasionally get grass, mealworms, and a sprinkle of herb supplement in their food. They do have grit available.

I had this same issue with one of my chicks last time around maybe 22 weeks, but they were on Nature Wise grower/Purina All Flock. Nursed her with vitamins and taping feet etc for at least 4 weeks with no improvement. Was this a coincidence?

Only one in last group of 5 was affected (though it was the only one of its breed) and only one this time (so far). Wondering what is causing it as they had nutritious feed? Last time I didn’t give any herb supplements.

Would this be a genetic problem? I don’t know if he will make it, but if he does, I’m assuming I would not want to use him for breeding?

Attaching picture of him standing, sitting with curled toe, and a picture of him sitting with both legs outstretched.

I will vamp up his treatment with vit e and special foods.

Your thoughts?

 

[Debbie292d]

Hi,

You mentioned genetics. Is this rooster from the same place you got the first group where one was like this?

He still walks around fine albeit curled toes?

You're doing well to give him B-complex and Poultry Cell. You could skip the Poultry Cell to just every other day though so he doesn't OD on other vitamins/minerals in that. How much B-complex? If it's a human pill, he could have 1/4 to 1/2 of one per day.

Vit E is also a good idea. About 400 IU/lb per day. Follow that up with some scrambled eggs to help it absorb better.