'Cage clutch' in a flock of commercial White Leghorns

Five commercial White Leghorn chickens were presented to the laboratory from a flock which was experiencing a mortality problem after transfer to the laying house. About 4 or 5% of the birds were 'squatting' in their cages and appeared nervous. Localized, ulcerative lesions were noted on the toes and shanks of the layers. The flock was placed on antibiotics and electrolytes, and the affected birds were removed from their cages and placed on the floor. The problem subsided, and the flock came into production on schedule. Aetiology of the disorder remains unknown.