[jhub]

After a quiet few months I noticed my 10 month old cream legbar has a problem with her right 'foot'. If she walks normally her toes fold under instead of splaying out in front. She seems to compensate for this by goose stepping.
The limb looks fine, she appears otherwise healthy, is eating well and has recently started laying.
Any ideas please?
Many thanks.

[GrannieAnnie]

She hasn't got something like bumble foot has she where she doesn't want to put weight on it?

Or got a mud ball stuck between her claws?

[jhub]

Hi Grannie A and thanks for your reply.
No, I checked for this when I first noticed her gait.
Any other ideas?

[GrannieAnnie]

Not really.  Not got a little cut or small sharp object in her foot.

Sounds like she is trying to protect the underside of her foot doesn't it by curling her toes under?

Arthritis?  Although she is young for that.

What about doing what I used to with new chicks with funny toes?  I'd cut out a pad of cardboard, roughly the same size as the foot. then tape her foot to that, straightening out the toes.  Maybe she hurt it as one point, but now is so used to curling her toes under?  Keep it on for about a week.  Sometimes they stay on, sometimes the little madams can get them off! 

Sorry I'm not much more help.   

[ANHBUC]

I was going to suggest the chick shoe as well.  Make sure she has somewhere to sleep though as she won't be able to perch.   

If you think she has something in her foot you could also try a compress of softened bar soap mixed to a paste with a little water and sugar.

[jhub]

Thanks for your replies.
There's nothing on the under surface, it's as if the joint between the shank and toes is weak. I'll try the splint and let her roost in the nest box, she usually tries to get in there every night.

[GrannieAnnie]

Good luck!

[Tigerwren]

Hi Jhub,
I just wanted to say that I am quite interested as I have had the same problem.  I have a columbine which is something crossed with a legbar.  She is about 3 now and has always walked as you describe and also curls her toes.  Well, since we have had her she has done this. I used to worry a lot about her, got her various treatments and checked for bumblefoot etc and have tried several other things to stop this, but haven't been successful with any.  She is not in any pain and free ranges everyday.  She also lays the best eggs i have ever had! I will keep watching to see how you get on and whether you have any joy.  Good luck!

[jhub]

Hello Tigerwren,
Does your hen goose step with both legs?
Mine is still doing it but less frequently so I wonder if she injured it somehow.
I'll let you know how she gets on.
Thans,
Jane

[Tigerwren]

Hi Jane,
sorry for late response, I couldn't remember my  password with the new changes.  Yes, she goose steps with both legs and has just started to lay again after quite a while not laying.  She is in great form and after I read your post, I checked her feet again and her legs are fine.  Keep me posted though, I am very intrigued to hear about your girl.
Ruth