Sophie Bennett
If your chicken is crossing its legs when it walks, there could be several reasons for this. It could be a vitamin deficiency, an injury, or an infection. Other possible causes include mites, worms, untrimmed nails, or a bacterial infection such as Bumblefoot. It is important to have your chicken examined by a veterinarian to determine the exact cause and receive proper treatment. In the meantime, you can try to rule out potential causes by checking for mites, ensuring your chicken's nails are not too long, and providing it with plenty of food and water.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Leg bone deformities | Varus-valgus deformity, Bowlegged appearance |
| Leg mites | Scaly leg mites, Body mites |
| Leg injuries | Bumblefoot, Sharp objects, Bruising, Redness, Cuts, Lameness |
| Other injuries | High fever, Heat stroke, Hypothermia, Dehydration, Poisoning, Malnutrition |
| Vitamin deficiencies | Vitamin B complex, Vitamin E, Selenium |
| Illnesses | Marek's disease, Botulism, Nerve inflammation, Leg paralysis, Mycoplasma Synoviae |
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What You'll Learn
- Leg bone deformities, such as varus-valgus deformity, can cause legs to cross
- Mites can cause walking issues, but there are treatments available
- Vitamin deficiencies can cause neurological symptoms, including walking issues
- Bumblefoot, a bacterial infection, can cause chickens to walk funny
- Marek's disease can cause leg paralysis
Leg bone deformities, such as varus-valgus deformity, can cause legs to cross
A chicken walking with crossed legs can be a symptom that something is wrong. There are many possible reasons for a chicken's walking problems, ranging from minor to serious issues. For instance, chickens can step on something sharp, or they can suffer injuries caused by larger animals or vehicles. Chickens are also susceptible to various conditions, illnesses, and diseases that can cause balance issues and staggering, such as Marek's disease, botulism, and vitamin deficiency.
One specific condition that can cause a chicken's legs to cross is valgus-varus deformity (VVD), also known as "twisted leg syndrome." This deformity is a deviation of the long bone (tibia) that causes the chicken to develop a 'hocks-out/feet-in' (varus) or a 'hocks-in/feet-out' (valgus) stance. The condition typically develops when the chick is between 2 to 7 weeks old but can occur as early as day 6. As the chicken grows, the bone deviation worsens, leading to bending and rotation of the metatarsus bone. The cornish breed (fast-growing "broilers") and chicks fed commercial broiler feed are particularly susceptible to VVD.
VVD can cause significant physical impairment, making it difficult for the chicken to move around and access food and water. Without intervention, the chicken may eventually starve or be trampled by other flock members. Chickens with VVD are also at an increased risk of developing a slipped tendon or leg fracture due to the abnormal pressure on the deformed leg. In one study, 60% of birds with severe valgus deformity experienced a slipped tendon.
While there is no recovery from VVD, as the bone itself is deformed, veterinary care can provide insight into nutritional problems and feed/supplement recommendations to halt the deformity's progression. In some cases, surgical correction may be an option, but such procedures are complex and require specialized veterinary expertise.
It is important to note that walking problems in chickens can have various causes, and a veterinarian should examine any chicken experiencing difficulty walking to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.
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Mites can cause walking issues, but there are treatments available
If your chicken is crossing its legs when it walks, there could be several reasons for this unusual behaviour. One possible cause is an infestation of scaly leg mites, which can cause walking issues and leave visible signs such as raised and ashy grey scales on the legs. While some sources suggest confirming the presence of mites before treating them, products like Nettex Scaly Leg Spray can be used to suffocate mites, eliminate discomfort, and prevent reinfestation. Vegetable, coconut, or castor oils can also be applied to the legs and rubbed into the scales. Additionally, Permethrin 5-10% spray or garden dust can be used on the chicken's body to address body mites.
Another potential cause of crossing legs while walking could be Marek's disease, a viral illness that can lead to a loss of coordination and staggering. However, one user shared that their chicken showed similar symptoms but ultimately did not have Marek's disease. They suggested that a blood serum test could be done to confirm or rule out this possibility.
In some cases, vitamin deficiencies can also lead to neurological symptoms and affect a chicken's walking pattern. Supplementing with a B complex tablet and vitamin E, along with providing a varied diet that includes sunflower seeds, tuna, or cooked egg, can help address any potential deficiencies.
It is important to note that walking issues in chickens can also arise from injuries, bacterial infections like Bumblefoot, or other health conditions. Chickens may step on sharp objects, get injured by larger animals or vehicles, or develop infections from small cuts. If you suspect any of these issues, it is recommended to consult a veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment. They will be able to examine your chicken for other signs and symptoms to determine the underlying cause of the walking issues.
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Vitamin deficiencies can cause neurological symptoms, including walking issues
While there could be many reasons for a chicken to cross its legs while walking, vitamin deficiency could be one of them. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies can lead to a wide range of neurological problems.
Vitamin B12 deficiency, for example, can cause cognitive impairment and myeloneuropathy, which is damage to the spinal cord and peripheral nerves in the legs. This can result in difficulty walking, weakness, numbness, and poor coordination. Untreated, vitamin B12 deficiency can also cause neurological and psychological problems, including numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, vision problems, confusion, and difficulty speaking.
Another example is ataxia with vitamin E deficiency, a degenerative nervous system disease that impairs walking, talking, and fine motor skills. In this condition, the body cannot use vitamin E from food, which affects movement. Copper deficiency can also cause myeloneuropathy, as copper is necessary for enzymes to maintain the health of the spinal cord and transfer signals between the brain and the body.
Vitamin deficiencies can occur due to malnutrition, including not consuming enough food, not eating nutritious foods like fruits and vegetables, eating disorders, extreme diets, or diseases that affect vitamin absorption, such as cystic fibrosis. They can also be caused by genetic conditions, malabsorption syndromes, or bariatric surgeries.
In chickens, vitamin deficiencies can cause balance issues and staggering. Other possible causes of walking issues in chickens include leg or foot injuries, bumblefoot, scaly leg mites, Marek's disease, and other viral or bacterial illnesses. High fever, heat stroke, hypothermia, dehydration, poisoning, and progressed diseases could also contribute to walking difficulties.
If you suspect your chicken has a vitamin deficiency, ensure it has access to adequate food and consider offering vitamin supplements. However, it is always best to consult a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
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Bumblefoot, a bacterial infection, can cause chickens to walk funny
A chicken crossing its legs when walking could be indicative of an underlying problem. While it could be something minor, it could also be a serious issue. Chicken keepers should be vigilant about their flock's health and take the necessary steps to prevent and treat any potential problems.
One possible cause of a chicken's unusual gait is bumblefoot, a bacterial infection that affects the bottom of a chicken's foot. It is a common condition in chickens and is caused by the staphylococcus aureus bacteria, which can enter the body through cuts or wounds on the skin. The bacteria thrive in low-oxygen environments, allowing the infection to spread quickly. If left untreated, bumblefoot can become fatal.
The early symptoms of bumblefoot include limping or hopping, with the chicken favoring one foot. The affected foot may appear swollen with inflamed tissue, and there may be hard, puffy scabs that resemble small blisters. As the infection progresses, the chicken may show signs of pain and become reluctant to walk, exhibiting varying degrees of lameness.
To treat bumblefoot, it is important to address the infection and provide relief to the chicken's foot. This can be done by applying antimicrobial cream to the affected area and wrapping the foot with vet wrap to secure the gauze. It is also crucial to keep the chicken's environment clean and sanitary, reducing the risk of bacterial growth.
In severe cases of bumblefoot, invasive surgery may be required to remove the hard abscess that forms as a result of the infection. However, most cases of bumblefoot can be treated at home or with the guidance of a veterinarian.
Chicken keepers should regularly inspect their flock's feet and take proactive measures to prevent bumblefoot. This includes maintaining a clean and sanitary environment, providing soft and even ground for chickens to walk on, and ensuring a balanced diet to promote healthy skin. By being vigilant and taking preventative actions, chicken keepers can help ensure the health and well-being of their flock.
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Marek's disease can cause leg paralysis
A chicken walking strangely or funny is usually a symptom that something is wrong. Chicken walking problems are not uncommon, and they could be due to a variety of reasons. For instance, chickens may limp because they stepped on something sharp, or they may have minor to serious problems. Chickens are prone to all kinds of injuries, and it is the keeper's responsibility to prevent them.
One possible reason for a chicken crossing its legs when walking could be Mareks disease. Marek's disease is caused by an alphaherpesvirus commonly known as the Marek's disease virus (MDV). The disease is characterised by the presence of T-cell lymphoma as well as infiltration of nerves and organs by lymphocytes. Marek's disease affects chickens and will not make people sick. However, once a chicken becomes infected, it will be infected for life. Not all infected birds will get sick, and the percentage of clinically ill birds depends on the virus strain and breed. Leghorns and light egg-type breeds tend to be more vulnerable to the disease than meat-type breeds.
Marek's disease can cause mild to severe paralysis in one or more limbs, with lesions in neural tissue. The symptoms depend on which tissues are attacked. In the classic form, Marek's disease will cause inflammation and tumours in the nerves, spinal column, and brain. Birds may become paralysed in the legs or wings or develop head tremors. Acute Marek's disease is an epidemic in previously uninfected or unvaccinated flocks, causing depression, paralysis, and death in a large number of birds.
If you suspect your chicken has Marek's disease, it is important to seek veterinary advice. While there is a vaccine available, it does not prevent infection, and the disease is still transmissible from vaccinated flocks to other birds.
Other possible causes of a chicken crossing its legs when walking include vitamin deficiency, botulism, leg mites, bumblefoot, and leg bone deformities such as varus-valgus deformity.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several reasons why your chicken may be crossing its legs when it walks. It could be due to a vitamin deficiency, a leg injury, or a condition such as Bumblefoot or Scaly Leg Mite infestation. It is recommended to consult a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
If your chicken is smaller than the rest, low on the pecking order, or has a crossed beak, it may be more susceptible to vitamin deficiencies. Signs of a vitamin deficiency can include staggering, loss of balance, and neurological symptoms such as crossing legs while walking.
If you suspect your chicken has Bumblefoot, which is a bacterial infection affecting the pad of the foot, you should clean and dry the foot and apply a wound care spray. Keep the chicken in a clean and dry environment and consult a veterinarian for further advice. For Scaly Leg Mites, you can use over-the-counter products such as Nettex Scaly Leg Spray to soothe and treat the affected legs.
