AUSTRALIAN POULTRY FORUM™

I want to keep this as simple an explanation as possible as to describe this completely would require an extremely long post with much technical terminology that some perhaps would not understand. Not everyone studies genetics and the simpler explanations often are the better ones.

Ptilopod fowl are ones that have feathered shanks and toes. Pekin, Sultan, Cochin and Brahma as examples. They require special attention to toe length as often the toes are not seen in the adult bird.
Shorter or worse, missing outer toes should be considered very seriously by all breeders of Ptilopods. Not only is it a serious defect but these birds are not suitable for breeding from as they will pass this ‘defect/deformity’ on to their offspring.
A number of breeders have stated over the years “Oh it was caused by an incubation problem.” And often go out of their way to convince the potential new owner that it will not breed through to the offspring.
Well my answer to that is “NO it wasn’t caused by the incubator! These birds have ‘defective feet’ and should NOT be bred from.”
A number of judges and dedicated breeders have commented over recent years about the rise in Ptilopods being shown with shorter or missing outer toes. NOTE that this is classed as a serious defect, requiring disqualification, according to the APS.

The shorter outer toe is referred to as the mutation Bracchydactyly. This means short digits. The gene responsible for Bracchydactyly is believed to be autosomal and an incomplete dominant. Autosomal means both male and female may receive this gene from both parent birds. Making it important to check the feet of both sexes.
The best way to do this is to look at the feet from underneath – bring the 4th and 2nd toes together and if the outer toe on either or both feet is shorter or missing = don’t use the bird. Of course there will be birds with normal appearing toe length that carry the Bracchydactyly mutation, and this will only show up in the offspring, so it can be a waiting game. And you need to check the feet of all birds hatched [as they grow and near maturity] to eradicate this problem.

Any and all other comments on the subject MOST welcome

just try to keep it at a 'dumb' level so everyone = long time breeder, genetics student or newbie can understand it

[no offence meant by the insertion of the word 'dumb']

I may well be guilty of breaking this rule, but all posts should be made with this basic and vital principle in mind.
The "KISS" principle is as follows, 'Keep It Simple Stupid".
I agree with you Sooz, many of the faults creep in and before we know it they are deeply embedded in a breed and difficult to remove or find suitable breeding stock free of the fault.
It is interesting to note some serious faults identified or associated with a particular breed or variety because breeders have ignored the problem or made excuses until it had become a serious ngoing problem within the breed.

n sue , i've just been out to corral and inspect all the feet of my Ptilodod's { a name i never knew } , and dont know if due to bad eyesight or pure good luck , none of mine seem to carry the defect , if my foundation breeders dont have it dose this mean it wont manifest in my flock . cheers n beers gary

Hi,
Does this problem affect all Langshan types as well?

Hi timewarp – not many know the term for them so don’t be embarrassed = now you do
Just keep an eye on all young, it is hard to eradicate once in the line and can skip a generation [or few] apparently – the easiest way to avoid the problem is obviously to not use birds that have the shorter toe = given time it will be bred out and all the toes will be the correct length/or there as the case may be

Hi cochin/giant mad – I may have missed your introduction in the new members section [I’m a bit like that ]
I have been told that some Langshans have exhibited this shorter toe but have never heard of them missing the outer toe. And to my knowledge it is so rare in this breed that it is not a problem – however I suggest you always check yr birds toes = make it part of your routine as the birds grow out - it will become 2nd nature in no time -

Checking birds feet is also a good thing to do in all breeds = just so you are checking their feet = so many forget to or dont realise the importance of this and can miss problems only finding them when it is often too late

Hi Soozorps,
Sorry to confuse you but I don't have Langshan. I was just curious as to whether the Langshan was included in this group. Its just that everytime i see this subject mentioned it usually says all breeds with feathered legs and the Pekin, Sultan, Cochin and Brahma are mentioned but never the Langshan, so i just wanted to know if they had the problem. I hadn't even heard of it until 2 years ago.
Apparently there was an article written about it and published in the Australasian Poultry Magazine.