written by: dr. jacquie jacob, university of kentucky
rickets is primarily a nutrition problem resulting from an imbalance of calcium and phosphorus or a deficiency of vitamin d3. it can, however, also result from an intestinal disorder that interferes with the absorption of these nutrients from the diet.
affected birds become lame and have soft bones and beaks. hens experience a drop in egg production and an increase in soft- or thin-shelled eggs.
for more information
mineral deficiencies in poultry. merck veterinary manual.