10/05/2026
🟡 BROILER HEALTH ALERT: DEFORMED LEGS IN CHICKENS (DON’T IGNORE THIS)
One of the common problems many poultry farmers see but don’t take seriously is deformed legs in broilers. You may notice birds sitting down too often, struggling to stand, or walking on their hocks instead of their feet.
This is not normal growth—it is a warning sign.
🐔 Common causes include:
Poor mineral balance (especially calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D3 deficiency)
Weak or poor-quality starter feed
Slippery or wet litter (birds cannot grip properly)
Overcrowding in the brooding phase
Fast growth without proper bone support
Poor lighting and lack of movement space
⚠️ What it leads to:
Birds cannot reach feed and water easily
Slow weight gain
Increased mortality in severe cases
Economic loss for the farmer
💡 Simple prevention tips:
✔ Use quality starter feed from day 1
✔ Ensure proper brooding temperature and dry litter
✔ Add multivitamins and calcium supplements in drinking water (especially early weeks)
✔ Avoid overcrowding
✔ Provide enough space for movement
✔ Use proper flooring (not slippery surfaces)
🧠 Important reminder:
In broiler production, bone strength is as important as muscle growth. Fast growth without strong bones leads to poor performance and losses.
Healthy legs = healthy weight gain = better profit.
If you’re seeing this in your flock, don’t ignore it—correct it early before it becomes a bigger problem.
