Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Foot and leg sores
are another problem for commercial crosses. Care must be taken
to watch the feet of these fast-growing birds. Because the immune system can't keep up,
sores often form on the hocks, legs, or pads of the feet of these birds. The more sores
you see in this area, the more of an issue you will have to deal with as the birds become
larger.
Breast blister is a result of the large breast and sedentary nature of commercial cross
broilers and other rapidly growing birds. They sit all day and acquire sores on their
breasts similar to bed sores, an affliction of people who must constantly lie in bed.
These sores are usually the result of the body not being able to acquire sufficient
amounts of biotin, pantothenic acid, or riboflavin. A slower-growing bird can utilize
these elements in the food at a more efficient pace and thus has far fewer problems. In
most cases, leg sores are not fatal, but birds with this condition will die if litter is not
properly maintained and kept stirred up and as dry as possible, especially during a long
spell of very hot, muggy, wet weather. Fungi of many species thrive in these warm con-
ditions, and if the bird contracts a fungal infection, it may die. These infections grow
rapidly and are somewhat difficult to handle.
Antibiotics will help in some cases but one should never butcher a bird that's been on
antibiotics until well after the time prescribed by either the instructions on the medicine
or the advice of a veterinarian (see box below). Some people dismiss the sore hocks and
open sores on the feet as minor conditions, but if an infection takes hold it can and will
spread through the bloodstream. This can leave bacteria in the meat and if not cooked
properly can result in problems for you when you eat your freshly butchered chicken.
