What do you suppose happened to Marge's tail?

[Jemezhens]

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[Jemezhens]

Just curious, Marge is just shy of a year, she only developed tail feathers 2 to 3 months ago, now that they show, they sit jauntilly to her side. What do you suppose happened to her tail?

 

[Lady of McCamley]

It looks like she has developed a case of "wry tail" which I've read is usually genetically related and usually does not affect the bird's ability to lay or have a happy life. Just don't breed from that bird.

I do know wry neck is caused by vitamin deficiency, so it wouldn't hurt to add some vitamin E and Selenium to her diet asap as some think there may be a possible nutritional link to wry tail...but overall the consensus is it is genetic fault with no known cure.

Here is a BYC forum discussion on specifically wry tail.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/550722/wry-tail-genetic-feeding-related-or-incubation-problem

LofMc

 

[Jemezhens]

Thank you so much! I didn't realize it was a condition. No intentions of breeding her; She's a great layer, smart and generally a good hen but as soon as her tail feathers started appearing I said "Well Marge, your pageant days are over". I will take your advice and add some Vitamin E and Selenium though, she's definately a keeper in my mish mash flock.