[bigchicken]

Have been doing turkeys for Christmas for the last three years with quite good results but this year out of a dozen half have had leg tendons problems. I am doing nothing different from previous years My thinking is its a bad strain what is your opinion.

[chrismahon]

Can't see any other reason Bigchicken. Presumably the housing is the same so there are no other possibilities?

[THE HAPPY POULTRY FARMER]

What breed ? some are more prone to leg issues than others .

[bigchicken]

They are commercial double breasted whites but I have heard that the bronze from the same hatch have the same problem. I know that the commercial broiler chickens industry have this problem which is being addressed so obviously the turkeys have the same problem.

[THE HAPPY POULTRY FARMER]

In the whites the BUT lines seem to be weak on the legs the HYBRID lines are much stronger, normally the bronzes are much more sturdy due to the slow growing nature of these birds, try adding a vitamin D supplement or liquid calcium these all help with bone development.     

[shygirl]

Do you mean they have problems whilst alive? Or is it a problem with the carcus?

[bigchicken]

When alive, the tendon which fits in the groove of the knee slips out of position making the birds lower leg twist at a funny angle and making it hard for the bird to walk.  The tendon slips because the groove is not deep enough. I once had a wee terrier that had the same problem.

[Bert]

I've got commercial white for the first time this year and they also have the problem. What vitamin supplement would you use? Unfortunately I've got very attached to my Christmas dinner  .  It's good to know it's not just my turkeys  .

[THE HAPPY POULTRY FARMER]

Hi the problem you are describing is normally attributed to excessive growth, commercial turkeys have been developed to the degree were meat yield is probably out of proportion to the bone structure and subsequent problems occur, if your birds are old enough get them onto a finisher diet which will be lower in protien than a grower or starter also introduce some liquid calcium into there water this will aid bone strength, hope this helps .   

[Victorian Farmer]

iv always done teykeys and the first 2 ya res i had this .Only way breed you re own strain no problems then.