I have noticed that my two show type chicks have slightly turned in toes which the pet types (being raised all in the same nest) do not have this. Is it to do with the show types being generally larger and more pressure on their feet or more likely a deficiency? Is it something that should correct itself once they can perch or do I need to do something now?

Edited October 31, 200816 yr by Neat

I haven't the faintest idea mate ...

 

Maybe wait for one of the other show breeders to comment ... But I would say that all the birds feet should be straight :question:

I dunno but I noticed that with Len as well. It doesn't appear as extreme with Lip though... Will be interested to hear what the others say... Its nothing major, almost like a slight bend sideways if that makes sense...

Edited October 31, 200816 yr by JimmyBanks

Yeah it's got me puzzled too, they are being fed by the same parents so it doesn't seem to be dietary. It's not the legs itself or the ankles, just the tips of the toes where on a normal chick they are pushed upwards by the claws instead they are twisting sideways

:question: Must be something in the water down there :hap:

If they were pet types it would be no issues but I presume that this sort of thing may cause me problems if it isn't sufficiently corrected before I want to show them :question:

Edited November 1, 200816 yr by Neat

:hap: Must be something in the water down there

 

 

Says the New South Welshwoman... please. :question:

Chicks under the age of three weeks often sit that way. It can also be a sign that extra calcium may be needed.

The parents have ground and a calcium bell and I have been topping the bubs up with Neocare formula which includes a Calcium Carbonate additive too.

 

So does it normally correct itself Kaz as they get older?

The parents have ground and a calcium bell and I have been topping the bubs up with Neocare formula which includes a Calcium Carbonate additive too.

 

So does it normally correct itself Kaz as they get older?

 

Test its feet MB...test the strength in its grip. That is the test. If it can grip your fingers firmly it will be okay. If not you need to start boosting its own calcium. A drop of calcivet to the beak each day till it fledges will help considerably. Some do improve and others do not. The calcivet does help improvement.

No worries, I ran out a couple of days ago but I'll go get some when the kids wake up. Any idea what the daily intake of calcium for a growing bird should be?

Edited November 1, 200816 yr by Neat

No worries, I ran out a couple of days ago but I'll go get some when the kids wake up. ANy idea what the daily intake of calcium for a growing bird should be?

No, I dont know. BUT I have had some chicks recently with similar issues to yours. The drop to the beak prior to fledging helped and so did calcivet in their water for a couple of weeks.