Wonky limbs

[AinaWGSD]

Certainly not an emergency, and I don't think there's anything to be done about it, but I thought this forum might be the best place to get some opinions.

I have a chick, currently 4 weeks old, that has been smaller than his hatch mates from the beginning. Initially didn't think much of it, he was noticeably smaller but not so much so that I was concerned. In fact, looking back at pictures taken at the time I'm not entirely certain which one he is.

At 2.5 weeks I noticed he was significantly less feathered than the other chicks. And that the tips of his wings angled up.

vs

Yesterday I noticed that his legs seem to angle outward as well.

I'd appreciate any thoughts anyone has about what's going on here. Is this something that's more likely to be caused by genetics, or parental nutrition, or incubation conditions? The legs seemed normal up until I noticed he's stance yesterday. Malines are big birds, the 9 week old cockerels I have are already as big as my 19 week old Easter egger pullets! My concern is that those legs aren't going to be able to support him long enough to be butchering size.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

What are you feeding him? Fast growing chicks do better on a meat bird feed.

 

[AinaWGSD]

We had been feeding mostly 18% starter-grower. This week I've switched them to an all flock which is also 18%. A couple times a week they get dampened gamebird food, that has varied between 21-28% protein depending on brand. No idea what the parent flock ate.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Yesterday I noticed that his legs seem to angle outward as well.

I'd appreciate any thoughts anyone has about what's going on here. Is this something that's more likely to be caused by genetics, or parental nutrition, or incubation conditions? The legs seemed normal up until I noticed he's stance yesterday. Malines are big birds, the 9 week old cockerels I have are already as big as my 19 week old Easter egger pullets! My concern is that those legs aren't going to be able to support him long enough to be butchering size.

Looks like he may have a leg bone deformity, Valgus Varus.
With the Varus deviation, since his joints point "inward".


These conditions are mainly studied in broilers but can certainly show up in other "breeds". It can be genetic, something not quite right with incubation and/or nutrient deficiency in parent stock. I'm sure there's other causes as well.

You may be right that his legs will not support him to butchering size, all you can do is give it a try. While some with these leg deformities can learn to adapt if it's not too severe, often the legs fail as the bird grows and puts on weight.
It wouldn't hurt to get him on vitamins. I'd give him 1/4 tablet B-Complex daily to help with leg support.

Here's a little info on Valgus Varus, but there's more publications/papers available if you search for them.
https://www.thepoultrysite.com/articles/leg-health-in-large-broilers
https://www.researchgate.net/public..._of_the_Intertarsal_Joint_in_Broiler_Chickens