What it looks like
Curled-toe paralysis (in chicks) — Chick’s toes curl under or splay outward; bird walks awkwardly or cannot walk
Dermatitis (skin inflammation) — Skin appears red, swollen, or cracked around feet and hocks
Feather abnormalities — Feathers may be scaly, brittle, or have poor pigmentation or banding
Poor growth in chicks — Chicks grow slowly and appear smaller than healthy siblings
Reduced egg production or soft-shell eggs — Hens lay fewer eggs or eggs with thin or soft shells
Loss of appetite — Bird shows little interest in food; may appear weak or lethargic
Likely causes
- Inadequate biotin (vitamin B7) in feed or water
- Diets high in raw egg white (avidin binds biotin, making it unavailable)
- Malabsorption due to other digestive issues
- Poor feed quality or biotin-depleted storage (biotin degrades over time)
What to do
Provide biotin-rich feed or biotin supplementation (consult your vet for dosing). Remove any source of raw egg white from the diet. Switch to a high-quality commercial chick or layer feed formulated to meet biotin requirements. Most birds recover within 1–2 weeks of supplementation.
When to see a vet
See a vet if your bird shows severe signs or doesn’t improve within a few days of treatment.
Prevention
Use high-quality commercial feed formulated to meet biotin requirements. Avoid feeding raw egg white or raw eggs to birds. Ensure feed is fresh (biotin degrades with age and heat). Store feed in a cool, dry place.
Frequently asked questions
My chicks have curled toes — is it biotin deficiency?
Curled-toe paralysis is a classic sign of biotin deficiency in young chicks. It can also result from vitamin B complex deficiency or genetic issues. Start biotin supplementation right away and see a vet to confirm the cause.
I feed my birds raw eggs — is that causing the problem?
Raw egg white contains avidin, which binds biotin and makes it unavailable. Stop feeding raw eggs and switch to cooked eggs if you must supplement protein. Provide biotin-rich feed instead.
Will my bird recover if I start biotin supplementation now?
Many birds recover well with biotin supplementation, especially if started early. Curled toes may improve within 1–2 weeks. Feed your birds high-quality commercial feed to prevent recurrence.
Which commercial feeds have enough biotin?
Most reputable commercial chick starter and layer feeds are formulated to meet biotin requirements. Check the feed label for biotin content (usually listed in mg/kg). If unsure, consult your feed supplier or vet.
My adult hen has soft-shell eggs — could it be biotin deficiency?
Soft-shell eggs can result from biotin, calcium, or phosphorus deficiency. Provide a high-quality layer feed and ensure access to oyster shells or crushed eggshells for calcium. If problems persist, see a vet.