3 Ways to Prevent Leg Circulation Issues in Meat Birds

Chick Fans,

We are on the downhill slide of meat bird production. With only three weeks left to go, the birds are eating and growing well.

I did have a problem this week with one bird. I walked in to feed them in the morning and the poor bird could not walk. He was very much alive. His legs were useless.

Leg circulation issues can cause problems in birds that grow too fast.

Here are 3 ways to prevent leg circulation issues in meat birds:

1. Limit feed the birds   

   These birds are hungry 24/7. But, it’s important to regulate their feed to bypass leg circulation issues. I’ve fought to regulate their feed the past five weeks of their lives and they have objected each and every time.

   They even killed two of their own in a rebellion against me. Savages.

   I’ve held my own. I’ve been watching their intake and have them on just the right amount.

   It’s hard to explain just how much I’m feeding them. Each morning, I give them about half of a 5-gallon bucket of their chicken feed. This amount fills their two feed troughs and feeds 47 birds.

   Don’t let them tell you any different. This is more than enough feed for them. They have a small amount in their feeder when I come in to check them in the evening.

   The rule of thumb is to be sure they go 3-5 hours without eating. I make sure they have plenty of water twice a day.

   

2. Be sure the birds are drinking plenty of fresh water

   These little boogers drink a ton of water. They are almost to one-and-a-half 5-gallon buckets each day.

   Drinking plenty of water helps them to stay hydrated and to prevent leg circulation issues.

3. Birds must have plenty of exercise. 

   Believe it or not, it’s important for the meat birds to be fit.

   They should NOT just be “couch” potatoes and sit there all day gorging on feed without moving around a bit.

   Twice per day, I can be found in the bird pen exercising them. I just maneuver them around their pen. Easy does it.

   

   Exercise, along with water, helps to keep that blood flowing in those legs. Good circulation helps keep the legs working properly so the birds can walk to food and water.

Leg circulation issues in meat birds is a common problem. It can be prevented by knowing how to prevent it.

~ Much Love ~