- Oct 23, 2012
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Hi All,
I have an 8 week old Cuckoo Maran cockerel who for the last week or so has been showing problems with the way his legs are developing. Prior to this he seemed to be developing normally, but the problem may have perhaps been less noticeable to my untrained eye.
When he stands up straight, one leg is positioned about 2-3 inches further back than the other (almost as if he has paused mid walking, but this is his pose standing up straight). When he walks, which I believe is slightly uncomfortable for him, he sort of hobbles a bit and has trouble finding his balance. He doesn't appear to be in any pain, and I can see no sign of injury. His toes are also starting to bend and deform, as if adjusting to angle the legs are now in.
In every other way he is doing well - feeding, drinking and moving about with the others. His eyes are bright, and he continues to grow at the same rate as the others.
For some background, he was the only Cuckoo Maran to hatch from a batch of 6. I Hatched him at the same time as some Splash Orpingtons and Jersey Giants, who have been overall more successful and healthy. It is for this reason that I think the
issue is less likely to be due to problems with the nutrients/housing etc I have given them.
Is there anything I can do? or is it too late for that?
I realize that in these situations, their isn't much hope or use for a wonky cockerel! I had hoped he would grow up to be my 'main man' for my other Maran hens. The main thing is, I don't want him to suffer unnecessarily. If I kept him, what sort of future problems might he experience?
Kind Regards,
Michael
I have an 8 week old Cuckoo Maran cockerel who for the last week or so has been showing problems with the way his legs are developing. Prior to this he seemed to be developing normally, but the problem may have perhaps been less noticeable to my untrained eye.
When he stands up straight, one leg is positioned about 2-3 inches further back than the other (almost as if he has paused mid walking, but this is his pose standing up straight). When he walks, which I believe is slightly uncomfortable for him, he sort of hobbles a bit and has trouble finding his balance. He doesn't appear to be in any pain, and I can see no sign of injury. His toes are also starting to bend and deform, as if adjusting to angle the legs are now in.
In every other way he is doing well - feeding, drinking and moving about with the others. His eyes are bright, and he continues to grow at the same rate as the others.
For some background, he was the only Cuckoo Maran to hatch from a batch of 6. I Hatched him at the same time as some Splash Orpingtons and Jersey Giants, who have been overall more successful and healthy. It is for this reason that I think the
issue is less likely to be due to problems with the nutrients/housing etc I have given them.
Is there anything I can do? or is it too late for that?
I realize that in these situations, their isn't much hope or use for a wonky cockerel! I had hoped he would grow up to be my 'main man' for my other Maran hens. The main thing is, I don't want him to suffer unnecessarily. If I kept him, what sort of future problems might he experience?
Kind Regards,
Michael
