Roach back - what does it mean and how do you know your bird has it?

[Engteacher]

I wasn't sure where to ask this question, so here we go.


I'm confused by the term "roach back". The APA-SOP defines it as, "a deformed, humped back, a disqualification." Is this something you identify by running your hand over a bird's back or can you see it? Is this hump more center back or towards the hips/shoulders? At what age would you be able to identify it in a young bird for culling purposes? How common is it?

Thanks!

 

[WallTenters]

I can't answer all your questions, but I can tell you that in a severely roached bird you will be able to see it. Think of a razorback boar - how they've got that big humpy back and it is just funky. When you are feeling the bird, put one hand underneath to run along the keel bone, and one hand on the back. You will notice on a normal bird the back is smooth and pretty flat and should be level with the keel bone. In a roached back bird, the back bone will go up like a terrible hill behind the shoulders, then go back down towards the hips.

I have no idea how common it is in your breeds or bloodlines. Inbreeding and just general terrible breeding practices can lead to this issue.

 

[Engteacher]

Okay, I googled "razor backed boar" and have that image in my mind. So, what I'll feel is a hump where it should be flat. I have Black Javas, RI Reds, and Welsummers. All three have a flat back, so any arch upward on the spine would be "roach back." This must show up pretty early, right? Maybe by 12 - 16 weeks?

 

[WallTenters]

I haven't had much experience with this so I'll give you a bump.

 

[cabindream]

I know this is a very old post but thought I would add to it with my question and pictures.

I need advice on what is going on with this young hen. They are about 13 to 14 weeks old. She started off having a wry tail. But the last couple days I’ve noticed a large bump on her back and she is not holding her wings up properly. Her gait is also a little wonky. She also seems to be breathing a little bit more heavily so I’m worried that she’s in pain. She seems otherwise bright and alert and is eating and drinking well and running around with the rest of the flock. Everybody else in the flock seems completely normal and healthy. Is this a case of roach back and any ideas on her prognosis.

 

[WayneReeder]

I know this is a very old post but thought I would add to it with my question and pictures.

I need advice on what is going on with this young hen. They are about 13 to 14 weeks old. She started off having a wry tail. But the last couple days I’ve noticed a large bump on her back and she is not holding her wings up properly. Her gait is also a little wonky. She also seems to be breathing a little bit more heavily so I’m worried that she’s in pain. She seems otherwise bright and alert and is eating and drinking well and running around with the rest of the flock. Everybody else in the flock seems completely normal and healthy. Is this a case of roach back and any ideas on her prognosis.

I have an example to show.