Splayed legs in Pheasant Chicks

whirlyhen · **Posted:** Mon Jan 25, 2010 1:18 pm

Hi, my pheasants have produced a huge amount of fertile eggs this season so have been busy incubating several batches. The first batch was fine, but have had huge losses with subsequent batches with chicks dying within 2-4 weeks. They seem to start out fine, then I notice their toes will not straighten and appear to have difficulty walking, they tend to drop very quickly after this. I have tried to hobble their legs down close to their feet without much success. My incubation setting has not changed from the first batch other than trying to experiment with different surfaces in the incubator and brooder box (am back to using thick kitchen paper - have tried fake grass and a towel). The eggs are from a Golden Pheasant pair and a Lady Amherst pair - originally obtained from different sources. I have been hatching the two types together and separating at 8 weeks. Would appreciate any help or suggestions.
Regards

AUSTCHOOKBOY · **Joined:** Fri Dec 25, 2009 11:35 am **Posts:** 2

Could it be the parent’s diet? I had trouble with died in shell and was told to increase their vitamins which I did and the following year I hatched most eggs. I know that the parent’s diet has a big part in the chick’s health when they first hatch. I am no expert by the way just learnt from my mistakes.

Bourke · **Posted:** Wed Jan 27, 2010 9:23 am

I would have to agree with chook boy you have done every thing right as far as the surface of the incubator and sounds like the temp and humidity were right as they hatched ok so yes look at their diet and maybe some vitamin supps

Fluffy_Feet · **Posted:** Wed Jan 27, 2010 10:49 am

might i add try hobbling the legs up higher closer to the knees

whirlyhen · **Posted:** Wed Jan 27, 2010 6:49 pm

Hi, thanks for the advice. Will definately up the intake of greens etc. to add more vitamins to their diet. Have been using bandaids with cardboard for their toes and the fluffy hobby sticks (sorry can't remember the name) to hobble their legs together - but it is very tricky and worry that am actually doing more harm. Will have to write off the extra eggs this season and start fresh as it is really upsetting to hatch out chicks only to watch them die :cry:

AUSTRALIAN POULTRY FORUM™

Splayed legs in Pheasant Chicks

Who is on the Forum