White rock 5 weeks old that can't stand up

[Mabel May]

Hello, new to this forum but in need of some advice. I have a white rock broiler who cannot stand up, have checked her legs and there appears to be no breaks, she is calm and interested in food and drink when I set her next to her dishes. I know white rocks tend to get too heavy for their legs but she is not unusually large at this young age. Any ideas or experiences would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Haunted55]

Is she a Cornish Rock or just a White Rock. Any other symptoms?

 

[Mabel May]

She is a white rock cross but I am not sure with what Cornish might be right, the local farm supply only calls them white crock x, she is vocal when we pick her up and she seems to still have strength in her legs, I'm concerned about her being in pain and I'm also concerned that she will grow and develop breast blisters etc if she cannot get up. I have a flock of 50 and none of the other ones are showing any symptoms like she is.

 

[Haunted55]

She is a white rock cross but I am not sure with what Cornish might be right, the local farm supply only calls them white crock x, she is vocal when we pick her up and she seems to still have strength in her legs, I'm concerned about her being in pain and I'm also concerned that she will grow and develop breast blisters etc if she cannot get up. I have a flock of 50 and none of the other ones are showing any symptoms like she is.

Okay, she's a meat bird. Trust me, these birds are very lazy and if they can plant themselves in front of the feeder and just 'graze' they will. What % of feed are they getting now? Have you added any vitamins to their water? Instead of offering the feed to her, make her get up and get it. If there isn't anything wrong with her legs, she isn't sick, chances are she knows she has a good thing going and will take advantage of it. These birds are bred to eat...watch her and see if she doesn't go after the food if you take her's away. If she were in pain, she would have a look in her eyes. Sorry, dont know how else to describe it. A tightening around the eyes, I guess. You can give her an asprin if you are worried about that, I would use a children's asprin, but I don't know what the withdrawel time frame is for this. If you don't have anyone with asprin allergy in your household or anyone else who might be getting these birds, I wouldn't worry about it too much. First though, make sure she needs it.

I will say that having raised these birds for a couple of years, I ran into one that couldn't get up and eat with the rest. Knowing what I know now, I should have culled her as she never grew to the same size as they others and even though very loving and docile, unable to become what she was bred for. If your bird is able to get up and move, encourage it by moving the feed away from her. Hang it so that she and the others will have to stand up to eat, the same with the water. Ranging them daily, whether in a pen or just outside with your supervision, is another good way to force them to keep moving. I always give vitamins in their water for the full 8 weeks. This way I know they are getting every chance possible to have their bodies grow somewhat normally.

 

[Mabel May]

Thank you! I had thought she was just a lazy meat bird as well, until she wouldn't move for an entire day, didn't even move to get out of the rain with the others, moves about a foot or so when she does at a time. Ill have to give some serious consideration to culling her. Ill take a better look at her eyes, I know what you mean. Thanks again!