[christine.upchurch]

My friends new chicks, brahma hybrids fall onto their backs and cannot stand, could it be splayed legs? we have managed to fix a couple by splinting the legs.Anyone know what causes this?

[Helenaj]

It does sound like splayed legs. There are several causes of splayed legs - genetics (too much interbreeding), incorrect incubation temperatures or too shiny a floor in the broody pen. The last is the most common cause and can be overcome by either placing a tea towel or kitchen roll on the floor of the broody run or using anti-slip matting which you can pick up for about £1 for a couple of metres in your local Pound shop. it usually happens in the first couple of days when the chicks are still unsteady on their feet.