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Concerned About Chicks with Curled Toes, What Should I Do?
Posted: Mon Feb 10, 2025 6:38 am
by EggcellentOne
I was spending some time with my chicks today and noticed that a few of them (4 out of 15) have toes that are curling inward or to the side. Theyre still walking fine and dont seem to be in pain, but Im worried this could be an issue down the line. Is there anything I should do to help correct it? Could this be a genetic issue, or something caused by incubation or brooder conditions?
Also, on a completely different noteI ordered all pullets, but Im pretty sure at least five of them are roosters.
Is there any chance these early saddle feathers could be something else, or should I start planning for a refund or rehoming?
Re: Concerned About Chicks with Curled Toes, What Should I Do?
Posted: Mon Feb 10, 2025 6:58 am
by DustyTalons
Keep an eye on them, but don't stress too much. If they seem happy and active, they'll likely adapt just fine!
Re: Concerned About Chicks with Curled Toes, What Should I Do?
Posted: Mon Feb 10, 2025 8:16 am
by FlockVoyager
Are they on a slick surface? Slippery bedding like newspaper can sometimes cause foot deformities. If that's the case, switching to something like pine shavings or a textured mat might help.
Re: Concerned About Chicks with Curled Toes, What Should I Do?
Posted: Tue Feb 11, 2025 1:29 pm
by FeatheredDreamer
Did you notice any curled toes right after hatch? Sometimes chicks are born with it, and it corrects itself as they grow. But if it's getting worse, you might want to help splint them.
Re: Concerned About Chicks with Curled Toes, What Should I Do?
Posted: Tue Feb 11, 2025 2:56 pm
by BrooderBuddy
If they're eating, drinking, and running around normally, I'd just keep an eye on them. It's likely just a minor issue that won't affect their overall health.
Re: Concerned About Chicks with Curled Toes, What Should I Do?
Posted: Tue Feb 11, 2025 3:02 pm
by BarnyardBeast
If you don't want to hatch chicks with potential foot issues, you could track which hens these eggs came from and avoid incubating their eggs in the future. But honestly, it's not always genetic.
Re: Concerned About Chicks with Curled Toes, What Should I Do?
Posted: Wed Feb 12, 2025 1:44 pm
by Eggnigma
I once got a "pullet only" batch and ended up with six surprise roosters. If you're sure about their gender, I'd contact the hatchery now rather than later. Some will offer store credit or replacements.
Re: Concerned About Chicks with Curled Toes, What Should I Do?
Posted: Sun Feb 16, 2025 6:20 pm
by RoosterRambler
If they were mine, I'd make chick shoes for the ones with the worst curling and leave the mild cases alone. As long as they can walk comfortably, they should be okay. 158 Go with 6'. Chickens can be surprisingly determined when they want to explore. A little height difference won't be too noticeable, and it'll give you extra peace of mind.
Re: Concerned About Chicks with Curled Toes, What Should I Do?
Posted: Mon Feb 17, 2025 3:52 am
by SustainableSoul
I wouldn't worry too much if they're getting around just fine. Some chickens live long, healthy lives with minor toe issues. If it starts affecting their ability to scratch or roost, then intervention might be needed.
Re: Concerned About Chicks with Curled Toes, What Should I Do?
Posted: Sat Feb 22, 2025 2:38 am
by RoosterRanger
EggcellentOne wrote: Mon Feb 10, 2025 6:38 am
I was spending some time with my chicks today and noticed that a few of them (4 out of 15) have toes that are curling inward or to the side. Theyre still walking fine and dont seem to be in pain, but Im worried this could be an issue down the line. Is there anything I should do to help correct it? Could this be a genetic issue, or something caused by incubation or brooder conditions?
Also, on a completely different noteI ordered all pullets, but Im pretty sure at least five of them are roosters.
Is there any chance these early saddle feathers could be something else, or should I start planning for a refund or rehoming?
It sounds like mild curled toe paralysis, which can happen due to incubation temperature fluctuations or vitamin deficiencies. You can try making little chick shoes with tape and cardboard to help straighten their toes while they're still young.