Rooster walking on his heels?

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Nome89
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Rooster walking on his heels?

Post by Nome89 » Fri Sep 15, 2017 6:38 pm

My guy is not very active today I noticed and he is walking on his heels when he walks... otherwise laying on the floor under the waterer.
He was still eating and drinking and otherwise seems fine. Anyone have any ideas?
All the other birds are fine as well. He is about 20 weeks give or take.
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Jaye
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Re: Rooster walking on his heels?

Post by Jaye » Fri Sep 15, 2017 8:53 pm

Sorry, I have very little experience with foot issues, but have a few questions that may or may not help to troubleshoot: I'm not sure what you mean by "walking on his heels" ... is he keeping his toes off the ground? Have you checked under his foot for swelling or infection? Could it be bumblefoot?
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Nome89
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Re: Rooster walking on his heels?

Post by Nome89 » Fri Sep 15, 2017 9:13 pm

Hey @Jaye
He is leaning back on his heels like he doesn't want to put pressure on his toes. No visible signs of infection or anything (No bumblefoot).
He did roost tonight which I find incredible weird if he isn't feeling well... fingers crossed he was just having a "day"... it's always the ones you want to breed!
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Ontario Chick
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Re: Rooster walking on his heels?

Post by Ontario Chick » Sat Sep 16, 2017 8:48 pm

If he seems fine in all other respects, I would try putting vitamins in the water, can't hurt and in some ways it sounds a bit like a vitamin deficiency in young chicks, but worth a try.
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Shnookie
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Re: Rooster walking on his heels?

Post by Shnookie » Sun Sep 17, 2017 11:02 am

Marek's maybe?
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windwalkingwolf
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Re: Rooster walking on his heels?

Post by windwalkingwolf » Sun Sep 17, 2017 4:46 pm

Stepped on nettles?
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Nome89
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Re: Rooster walking on his heels?

Post by Nome89 » Sun Sep 17, 2017 5:15 pm

I don't suspect mareks.
As for nettles... they are currently only inside- I am in the process of building a new barn- so that is not a possibility.
But thanks for the reply!
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Happy
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Re: Rooster walking on his heels?

Post by Happy » Sun Sep 17, 2017 7:40 pm

@Nome89 does he sort of look like he's pedaling a bike? My OEGB walks like that. Like he lifts his feet up before he has to bend his toes with his forward motion. I got Sherman full grown and he's always done it. He's 5 now I believe so I don't think there's anything wrong. Hopefully it's just an odd gait.
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Nome89
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Re: Rooster walking on his heels?

Post by Nome89 » Sun Sep 17, 2017 7:44 pm

@Happy Thats kinda what it looks like but I'm not sure if he's always done it I've never paid that much attention I guess.
I've got them on vitamins now and he was up roosting with the others at night.. so well see. Hopefully it's just something weird like that!
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