Hi Jensen,
I share your duck foot woes unfortunately…
I only learned about the dreaded DQ last year when I had it pop up in one of the blue/black strains I’m working with, and strangely enough, only in the best type females of the family. I didn’t catch it until the birds were 14 weeks plus, and even after ruthlessly culling everything with even a hint of duck foot, I’m still seeing a few cases again this year. The only difference is I know exactly which pair are producing the faulty chicks this time around…the real burn is the fact they’re also producing some of the years finest offspring with no visible duck foot …but I’m pretty certain the gene is there, hidden and recessive, waiting to rear its ugly foot down the road. Which leads me to believe it runs strong in the family line and is going to require numerous generations of test matings (and likely new blood) to rid myself of. It is a bit frustrating for sure, because good feet are essential for good balance and fertility. That and the fact nice legs just look nice.
Thought I'd post the SOP picture of duck foot for those fortunate enough not to have seen it in real life. My birds showing DF seem to have it to varying degrees and mostly on the right foot for some reason. Some are definitely more noticeable than others, though I’ve only had one pullet with it as pronounced as in the picture.
My tentative plan is to mate the sibs not showing the fault together and see what undesirables come up from the depths, as well as shop around for a strain with exceptional feet. (Fingers crossed my chick import comes through this time...I really, really need those feet!)
As for the duck foot producing parents, I haven’t had the gumption to reach for the axe yet... but thinking it will probably come to that…
Sorry you have to deal with this too…I’m curious to see your pictures though. Also hope others who’ve dealt with duck foot will chime in with advice on how to best combat this DQ…many thanks!
