Walking problems are probably one of the most concerning things to spot on your chickens.
An unusual behavior, especially those that might be related to their legs, should always be checked and addressed.
As a keeper, seeing your chickens walking abnormally must pose already as a warning.
After all, your fowl might already be suffering from leg injuries and health problems.
Leg problems among chickens are not really that uncommon.
However, no matter how usual these problems are, they will remain a concern and cause of suffering.
Chickens walking low to ground may indicate injuries, discomfort from molting, and a serious inflammation called egg yolk peritonitis.
Nevertheless, it is best to get a consultation from an avian veterinarian to determine the possible reason behind your fowl’s unusual behavior.
This is the best way to ensure your chicken’s health.
After all, fowls would not openly show that something’s wrong with them.
Why Are My Chickens Walking Funny?
Are your chickens walking strangely?
It is highly possible that the way they walk has only become funny recently.
Well, no matter how funny they are to see, their problem might not be something funny or joyous at all.
Walking problems among chickens are commonly caused by several possible reasons, ranging from minor to serious problems.
Leg/foot injuries
If ever you see your fowl showing any reluctance to walk on their feet, then immediately check if there are any signs of leg problems.
Common reasons why they walk strangely are injuries, viral infections, mites, and inflammation.
Such usual conditions that may cause pain to your chicken are bumblefoot and scaly legs.
Bad molting
Molting occurs naturally for birds.
This is the period where they are growing new feathers in place of the old and bad ones.
However, molting may cause some discomfort to your chicken especially in their feet and vent area.
As you know, new feathers are still connected to a blood supply, hence they are extra sensitive and painful sometimes.
Your fowls may be having some bad molting in the uncomfortable areas, the reason why they are walking strangely.
Egg Yolk Peritonitis
This condition targets any production hens at any age.
Egg yolk peritonitis happens when the egg yolk went into the abdominal activity, instead of the oviduct.
One major symptom of this inflammation is trouble walking as if they are a duck.
Egg yolk peritonitis will cause the abdomen to become severely infected which may soon lead to more fatal conditions and even death.
If left untreated, the excess fluids in the stomach may cause imbalance.
Make sure to bring your hen to an avian veterinarian to treat the inflammation.
What Does It Mean When a Chicken Crouches Down In Front Of You?
It is normal for chickens to squat, especially for hens.
There is no need to worry about any leg problems at all in this case.
If you notice that your chickens are crouching down in front of you out of nowhere, it is their way of expressing submission.
Chicken squatting is also called “lordosis.”
It is the squatting position of hens with their wings widely spread on the ground, while also lowering their tail and flattening their back.
This position makes them vulnerable, but it is completely normal and part of chicken behavior.
If your hen does this in front of you, it is only expressing its submission.
They may also crouch down in front of other chickens as it is a sign that they are ready to mate.
Why Is My Chicken Walking Slowly?
Chickens are active creatures, so it is unusual when they display any sign of lethargy.
If your chicken is walking slowly, it is possible that they are sick.
Walking slowly may indicate tiredness along with other symptoms such as unresponsiveness.
It is important to check if there are any visible changes to your fowl.
Weight loss, parasites, swollen crop, and signs of injuries are some of the few signs to pay attention to.
You may also need to separate your chicken from the flock, just in case it is infected with a communicable disease.
It is hard to determine the reason why your chicken is walking slowly, unless it has been examined by a veterinarian.
One thing for sure is that your fowl is suffering from an illness.
It may be a disease, injury, parasites, nutrient deficiency, and many more.
How Do You Know If a Chicken Is Suffering?
Chickens are prey for almost all deadly predators.
They are part of the lowest part of the food chain.
This is the reason why they will not openly show that they are in a vulnerable state, unless they want to be eaten (which I highly doubt any chicken would)
Luckily enough, there are still ways to determine if your chicken is secretly sick.
Common signs of a sick chicken are weakness, weight loss, lack of appetite, unusual droppings, inactivity, and hiding in the corner.
If you suspect that your fowl needs help, immediately isolate it from the flock.
This will prevent any disease transmission if it happens to be contagious.
Make sure to also consult an avian veterinarian, so you can determine what could be the illness of your fowl and know the ways to treat it.
Wrapping Up
Chickens should not have any trouble walking, unless they are injured or in serious discomfort.
When chickens walk low to the ground, it is possible that they are suffering from leg injuries, infection, and even fatal disease.
Make sure that you feed your chickens a healthy and balanced diet to keep them healthy.
Always check on their well-being and observe if there is any unusual behavior.
Do not hesitate to consult a veterinarian once troubling signs emerge.
This will help you ensure that your flock is perfectly healthy and may be treated immediately if ever they are in serious condition.
