Wry tail

[Mandrogora]

So this is my first time with chickens. I have six females who are 12 weeks old, all different breeds from Meyer hatchery. Our golden laced wyandotte appears to have wry tail. Her tail leans far to the left. From what I have read it seems this is a genetic condition? Her comb also appears to be deformed. She has a bump in the middle towards the top we call her unicorn horn. Maybe she'll grow into it? I don't know. My concern is that she is much smaller than the others. She's quiet and seems a bit behind in growth. The others are all quite vocal. Trying out all their new teenage voices. With winter coming I worry about her getting too cold if she doesn't have enough weight on her. She eats her food well. Her crop is full at the end of the day. She'll eat some treats but prefers live bugs. I'm wondering if there are any type of vitamins or supplements that would be helpful to her?

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Feeding a formulated ration is a good place to start.

I like Purina flock raiser with 20% protein, oyster shell on the side as they approach lay... I NEVER switch to layer feed.. for dual purpose birds such as Wyandottes.

I have seen a lot of weird Wyandotte combs that look like a collapsed unicorn horn, pics always welcome.

What are you feeding now?

Best supplements I know of are poultry Nutri drench... or maybe rooster booster poultry cell. No supplement should be given more than 10 days in a row.

Scrambled or whole boiled and smashed egg is my favorite nutritious treat as they are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and 34% protein. Again TREAT/supplement as they are also 64% fat.

Her feathers are a down jacket and what will keep her warm through winter... don't buy into that whole corn before they go to roost will keep them warm... LIE! They will burn calories to maintain body temp... better to have them be nutritious calories (formulated rations have vitamins and minerals added), then mostly empty calories like corn or scratch (no added vit/min) which are on par with chips to me.

 

[Mandrogora]

They have been raised on Purina flock raiser up until two weeks ago when I had to switch to Nutrena All Flock with 20% due to grain mites covering the bags of Purina at the feed store. They've never been fed corn or scratch but they do love boiled eggs as long as they aren't scrambled or smashed She seems to have a decent spot in the pecking order as nobody seems to pick on or try to size her up. Perhaps I'll try a booster out and see if it seems beneficial to her. Would black oil sunflowers seeds be a good treat?

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Would black oil sunflowers seeds be a good treat

People like to use BOSS as a treat. I know it is high in fat, though it may also be high in protein or other nutrients. I definitely would not over use them. Some people even sprout them.

Sounds like you are doing pretty good.

Good to avoid grain mites.

Honestly I believe they are both owned by the same parent company. I have no brand loyalty, just what is available to you and meets your needs. Paying attention to mill date helps... I just got feed I discovered was 6 MONTHS old. Nutrients oxidize so the recommendation is 6 weeks or less from mill date. I won't be shopping that feed store again, as their turnover obviously isn't enough to meet my expectations.

As long as you keep your ration at about 18% or above... I think that is the best thing you can really do.

All my birds have different growth spurts and maturing rates. Many can look pretty gangly during this teenage phase.

I don't think they wry tail will have much effect... could be how the chick was positioned in the egg or something. While In wouldn't use them for breeding... I haven't read of much problem caused by the condition.

Did you point out the grain mites to the store owner?? I suspect it could spread. I might even call the company (if I deemed it worth my time)... they are losing business. Good looking out and not bringing them home!