Chickens may sometimes display strange behaviors that are actually normal to them.
Things like dust bathing, digging holes, pecking at each other are just some of these bizarre chicken behaviors.
However, another unusual habit for them would be walking while lifting their legs high.
Truthfully, this specific circumstance should not be dismissed as nothing.
After all, it may be a symptom of a disease.
Walking with one leg up will really appear concerning for you as a keeper.
Pretty sure that the first thing that would come to your mind is an injury.
Checking their foot for any injury or foot problem is the right thing to do.
After all, they might really be suffering from infections such as mites.
Chickens that lift their legs high when walking may also indicate that they are experiencing pain.
This is especially the case when there are feathers growing in their feet, causing serious discomfort.
Nevertheless, walking with a lifted leg is something that should be checked.
Let’s get into more detail in this article
Carry on reading
Why Is My Chicken Holding Its Legs Up?
Chicken holding its legs up while walking is not a good sign for their health.
Your fowl should walk on its two feet, living without any visible discomfort or problems.
In case you notice them lifting their legs when walking, your chicken might already be suffering from these possible reasons:
1. Infection
One possible reason behind the action of your fowl is infection.
Holding its legs up is already uncomfortable, but there may be something more serious behind it.
Bumblefoot is one of the most common foot problems among chickens.
Check for any signs of this infection, such as hard, pus-filled abscess in their foot, swelling, reddening of skin, and visible signs of leg weakness.
2. Injuries
Aside from foot infection, your fowl may refuse to walk properly due to an injury.
Your chicken may be hesitant to put their foot on the ground if there is a searing pain.
Sprains may be one of the reasons why your fowl feels reluctant to walk on its two feet.
3. Growing feathers
If your chicken has been growing feathers in their foot, then it is likely that the tender feathers are also causing discomfort.
When chickens molt, they will regrow their old feathers with new ones.
These new feathers still have a direct blood supply which makes them extra sensitive and painful.
Why is My Rooster High Stepping?
High-stepping can also be observed among chickens.
While it may seem a silly behavior of fowls, in fact, there might be a serious underlying cause as well.
Foot Problems
Chickens that walk with high steps may obviously have a problem with their feet.
It may be an infection, like bumblefoot, or a foot injury.
Either way, your fowl must be checked if it is indeed suffering from such problems.
Vision Problems
There are cases, however, that chickens would not have any foot problems at all.
In that case, it is highly possible that there is something wrong with their vision.
High stepping is just their way of being cautious as they are dealing with balance problems when walking.
Why is My Chicken Having a Hard Time Walking?
It is clear without saying that chickens would only have difficulties in walking due to some serious diseases.
There are few fatal diseases that could really paralyze your fowl or make them have serious walking difficulties.
Unfortunately enough, most diseases that impact the legs of your chicken have no cure.
Such diseases are Avian encephalomyelitis, Newcastle disease, and Marek’s disease.
All of these diseases are quite common among fowls, non-communicable, and more often than not, they are present at birth.
These illnesses can cause partial to total paralysis in chickens as one of their symptoms.
Your chickens may not only suffer from grave symptoms, but they may eventually die as well.
What Causes Weakness In Chicken’s Legs?
There are several possible causes of weak legs in chickens.
This is the reason why it is important to consult a veterinarian to properly identify the underlying problem.
To give you some heads up, here are possible causes of leg weakness:
Fungal Infections
There are many fungal infections that could affect the legs of your fowls.
There are certain foot infections, such as Aflatoxicosis, Mycotoxicosis, and Ergotism, which will make your chickens stagger and eventually, lose their strength in their legs when left untreated.
Vitamin Deficiencies
Leg weakness may also be one of the consequences of unmet nutritional requirements.
In particular, deficiency in vitamin B may cause difficulties in balance and coordination.
Make sure that you feed your fowls properly and that they are getting sufficient nutrients to keep them healthy.
Fatal Diseases
As mentioned, there are serious illnesses that would slowly make your chicken a cripple.
Marek’s disease is one of the most common avian diseases that slowly affects your chickens’ legs.
Other viral and bacterial illnesses like Newcastle disease may also be the reason.
Wrapping Up
Chicken lifting their legs when walking is certainly not a normal occurrence.
It is best to check their feet for any possible problems, like infection or injuries.
You should also pay close attention to other possible symptoms they may display.
After all, there are serious diseases that may slowly take your fowl’s life.
Vitamin deficiencies may also play a factor.
Make sure that you are giving your fowls a healthy and proper diet to keep them healthy all the time.
