stephanie,
How long did you maintain these chicks on the starter feed before changing to the vegie mix? What age where they at that point.
How are these birds housed?
Are they overweight?
Do you know of their nutrition before you purchased them? Do you feel that they had a proper start?
Can you give me the exact name of the vegie mix they are now getting?
Dr. M
Stephanie,
I checked the feed company and looked at the feed and I agree it looks good. Although I couldn't find a complete breakdown of the vitamin/mineral complex.
"Crooked Toes" is a developmental anomaly in young chickens. It will not affect the whole flock but some. The toes are bent either to the outside or inside in a horizontal plane. The cause is not understood, but may be related to tendon tension, which curls the toes around the perch when the hock joint is flexed. Infrared brooding and wire floors can increase the incidence. You can try roosts of different sizes to see if one will help them more.
Another disease that closely resembles this one is a riboflavin deficiency. The toes are curled downwards. If the deficiency is severe these chicks will die even before the deformities become obvious. The chicks will rest on their hocks and the toes are curled inward or under. They can be stunted (not in feather growth though) and have diarrhea.
I would consider a riboflavin supplement at the very least.
Can you look at their feet to see if you can determine how the toes exactly appear?
Since it doesn't sound as if you need to change your housing then I can only suggest trying to supplement with vitamin B2 (riboflavin). This is found in enriched wheat products or also in brewers yeast.
I would contact the company that supplies your feed and see if they carry a vitamin/mineral supplement. I did try and look at their web site but I couldn't find specifics but they do have a contact email for questions on their products.
If I can try and answer anything else please let me know.
Avian Veterinarian
12yr practicing veterinarian