Question:

Each year I raise several young peachicks. At around 2 1/2 months old, a small number of these chicks develop some type of leg problem. In some it’s one leg, in some it’s both legs. It appears the knee joint turns inward and the feet turn out. They grow fine and are never sick, but they are crippled for life. I feed 30% quality game bird starter till 3 months old, then add grain and greens. Can you help?

Thanks, Ellis

Answer:

Ellis, I think the problem you are having is something we have all ran into at one time or another and that is that the protein level is too high. This causes the young birds to grow too fast and their legs don’t strengthen fast enough to support the extra weight. There may be other factors but I feel this is the major problem, you may want to consider trying 20-22% feed.

This Q&A originally appeared in the December 1999 Issue of Peafowl Today, the UPA newsletter. Reproduction elsewhere in any form without prior consent from the UPA is strictly prohibited. © 1999 The United Peafowl Association. All rights reserved.