What curled toes look like
Curled toes are toes that bend inward or sideways instead of lying flat. The chick may walk on the sides of its feet or on its knuckles, may struggle to stand, and may seem reluctant to move around. It is often called curled toe paralysis or curly toe. It is most often noticed in chicks, though adult birds can also have toe problems from other causes.
Curled toe paralysis in chicks
In chicks, curled toes can range from a slight bend at hatch to more obvious curling that appears in the first days or weeks. Some chicks have toes that are bent but straight enough to walk. Others have toes so curled that they cannot reach feed and water easily, and may fall behind their brood mates. Any chick that cannot get to food and water needs help quickly.
Possible causes
Veterinary and extension sources, and experienced keepers, point to several contributing factors:
- Riboflavin (vitamin B2) deficiency. Riboflavin is needed by growing birds, and a shortfall in the diet of the chick, or in the breeder hens whose eggs were hatched, is a recognized cause of curled toe paralysis. Old or poorly stored feed, an unbalanced ration, or a diet diluted with lots of treats can contribute.
- Incubation problems. Temperature or humidity swings during incubation may lead to deformities in newly hatched chicks.
- Slick brooder flooring. Chicks on slippery surfaces like newspaper or smooth plastic may not get traction, and their feet can splay or toes can curl.
- Genetics. Inherited traits may predispose some birds to toe or leg deformities.
Often more than one factor is involved, and it can be hard to know exactly which. If more than one chick is affected, look at feed, brooder conditions and the hatch source.
What to do for a chick
- Make sure the chick can reach food and water. Place both within easy reach and watch that it is eating.
- Improve the footing. Use a textured, non-slip surface in the brooder, such as rubber shelf liner or paper towels, rather than slick paper.
- Check the feed. Use a fresh, complete chick starter, check the date, and store it properly.
- Consider splinting if the toes do not straighten.
- Ask for advice if the chick is weak, not eating, or not improving.
Splinting safely
Some keepers wait a short time after hatching to see whether toes straighten, then support them with a small splint. A common approach is to flatten the toes gently on a small piece of cardboard or thick paper cut to the shape of the foot and secure it with a small piece of tape. Other keepers use soft materials such as pipe cleaner shaped as a support. Points to keep in mind:
- Be gentle. Chick bones and skin are delicate.
- Never force a toe straight.
- Tape should be snug but not tight, and should not tug at the skin.
- Check the foot frequently for swelling, irritation or toes turning cold or discolored.
- Remove the splint after a few days, or sooner if the skin looks sore, and reassess. Some keepers repeat the process.
Splinting helps some chicks but not all. If you are unsure how to do it, a vet or an experienced poultry keeper can show you.
Riboflavin and feed
A complete chick starter is formulated to meet a chick’s vitamin needs, and many keepers find that a fresh, properly stored complete feed is the simplest foundation. Some keepers add a poultry vitamin supplement to the water, or add foods such as eggs or leafy greens in small amounts. Do not exceed the supplement label, and avoid replacing the complete feed with treats. If you suspect deficiency, a vet can advise on whether a supplement is appropriate and how to give it. In long-standing cases the toes may not fully straighten, so earlier action is generally better.
Curled toes in adult chickens
Adult birds with curled or crooked toes are a different situation. The cause could be an old injury, a healed break, arthritis or joint disease, a nerve problem, pain or another illness. Foot pad infection and swelling are covered in our guide to swollen chicken foot, and raised crusty scales on the legs in scaly leg mites. Because adult birds are less likely to straighten with simple measures, take an adult bird with curled toes to a vet who treats poultry, particularly if she is limping, has swelling, or is losing condition.
Sudden paralysis or leg weakness
Sudden paralysis or inability to stand is more serious than a mild toe curl. Possible causes in poultry include infectious diseases, nutritional problems, toxins, injury and others. This needs veterinary advice, and a bird showing it should be separated and kept comfortable with food and water within reach while you arrange help. Because some infectious diseases can spread through flocks, do not delay if more than one bird is affected.
Prevention
- Use a good-quality complete chick starter and store feed in a cool, dry place
- Do not rely heavily on treats for chicks
- Provide non-slip brooder flooring from day one
- Keep incubation temperature and humidity consistent if you hatch your own
- Consider the health and diet of the breeding flock
- Check new chicks’ feet on day one
When to see a vet
- The chick or bird cannot stand, eat or drink
- More than one bird is affected
- Toes are swollen, discolored or injured
- An adult bird has curled toes or leg weakness
- A chick is getting worse despite better flooring and feed
FAQ
How is curled toe paralysis in chickens treated?
Typical measures are improving traction, checking feed and riboflavin intake, and sometimes splinting. A vet can advise if the chick is not improving.
How can riboflavin deficiency be treated in chickens?
Provide a fresh complete feed and, if a vet or product label supports it, a poultry vitamin supplement. Avoid guessing at amounts.
What causes sudden paralysis in chickens?
Many things can, from injury to infectious disease and nutrition problems. It needs a vet.