[ramblerskitchen]

Hi, I have 20 Ross Cobbs which are now 10 weeks old.  I found one this morning who is unable to stand and need some advise.  I have checked her legs and when I lift her up, she appears to have full use of both and is not in obvious pain.  When i try and get her to stand she tips forward and lays with her legs to one side.   She is unable to stand at all.

I have moved her away from the rest and confined her.  She is eating and drinking but not sure whether to give her a few days to see if she recovers or put her out of her misery.  She is one of the smallest so I don;t think its the weight of her that is the problem.  Any ideas please?

[BlueDaisy]

I have often heard of this type going 'off their legs'. I think rather than it being a weight issue it is a speed of growth issue, and since they are generally not required to live long lives they are not selected for 'robustness' throughout the breeding programme. It is one of the reasons why free rangers prefer Hubbard type meat birds.
I thought 10-14 weeks was about recommended culling time anyway, so I would just cull and eat.

[DJ_Chook]

I've had numerous batches of these cobb/ross meat birds. I get at least a couple of birds per batch go off their legs. They can usually get up and walk about, get to the food and water. But left for many more days & they end up with no leg use and hobbling on the floor. I would slaughter it as soon as is possible.

[ramblerskitchen]

Thanks for your advise.  She is still eating and drinking but I can't see any improvement so I think it will be culled.  I could understand if she was one of the large ones but she is one of the smallest I have. 

This is my first go at raising meat chickens.  I was worried about their legs but could not get Hubbards locally so ended up buying theses at 5 weeks old.

If you know of a supplier in Dorset I would be grateful.  Thanks again for your reply. Sarah