Riboflavin Deficiency or Genetic Mutation

[Dutch]

I have a problem with my silver phoenix that hatched in April. Almost a third of the hatch have shown signs of “curled toe” paralysis, some more severe than others. They have been on a water soluble vitamin supplement since May, and leads me to believe it's genetic. Time for the choping block?

[Kickingbird]

Dutch,

Sometimes this can be due to high incubator tempratures. Are you using hens or machine to incubate?

Mark

[Dutch]

I got them from Marti's Poultry in Missouri.

[fowlplay]

have you contacted marti's about this? i have had the same problem hatching them on my own, a couple times....only connection i found was my unstable temperature control, usualy on the high side.

[Dutch]

I don't think they would be happy if I bothered them anymore. I also ordered 10 red shouldered yokohamas from Marti's and five were dead when I picked them up from the post office. The rest only survived a few days longer, but they were kind enough to give me credit on my next order for all of the chicks I lost. They way things are looking, I don't think I'll order any rare breeds from them again.

[Kickingbird]

Dutch,

If you have enough birds to NOT use the curled toe one I would cull them. I'm betting that it is not a genetic condition (gut feeling) but it could be. I have always culled birds like this but if I had to use one for breeding I would. I would also make sure to keep track of ALL of their offspring to make sure that the trait is not passed on. Hope this helps some.

Mark

[Dutch]

I only have 20 phoenix from this year so my options are limited. None of them have fullness or length to their tails and half of them have short willow shanks so starting over would be the best choice anyway. Anyone know of any phoenix breeders (not bantams) around Minnesota?