CHAPTER XXXVII 



LEG-WEAKNESS 



Leg-weakness in a flock of half-grown chicks is 

 due to several causes. It generally makes its appear- 

 ance in flocks ranging from three to six months of 

 age, and the cockerels are more apt to be affected 

 than the pullets. 



One of the causes is the over-feeding of fat- 

 producing foods. The weight of the body being 

 increased to such an extent that the legs are unable 

 to properly support the extra weight thus created. 

 Poultry raisers bent on saving time to bring their 

 flocks up to broiler weight often overdo the forc- 

 ing process to such a degree as to cause such 

 disease. 



The larger the variety the greater the tendency 

 for leg-weakness through feeding. The smaller 

 breeds being more active are not inclined to take 

 on flesh as rapidly, they are too busy running about 

 and scratching, provided, of course, the oppor- 

 tunity to do so is given them. For instance, the 

 percentage of leg-weakness cases in Leghorns is 

 very small, and when a case makes its appearance 

 it is generally attributed to other causes than the 

 over-fattened condition of the body. Even Leg- 

 horn chicks in close confinement, but given plenty 



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