…… Hurt chicken

[KMR58]

Yesterday one of my laying hens started limping. She is about 10 months old. Today I found her still in the coop. I think she didn’t want to go down the ladder. I picked her up and set her down outside to see what she would do. She just sat and picked at the grass. I checked her legs and feet and don’t see anything amiss. I have her in my chicken hospital- a large crate- and she is eating and drinking. Is there anything else I should be checking?

 

[phloydius]

How are her comb and eyes?

 

[KMR58]

Clear and normal.

 

[phloydius]

If her comb & eyes are clear and normal, then it is unlikely (but not impossible to be) disease. Keep an eye on her waste, and mention (or lookup) anything unusual. When she lays her eggs, look at them to see if they have any unusual characteristics (including dark poop smudges). If she doesn't lay any eggs for longer than you think would be normal for her, that may be important as well.

It is possible that she hurt/strained/bruised herself and just needs time to recover just like we do. I've had a couple do that, and it took them a couple of weeks to be back to 100%. Watch her for her movements, to see if she moves a little more every day, or if she moves less.

Unless you are feeding her only pellets, make sure she has some grit in with her food.

Wouldn't hurt to add a little DE to her food, and some apple cider vinegar to her water (not too much or she won't want to drink it).

 

[KMR58]

Thanks. A lot. I’ll do those things.

 

[summerthyme]

Is she actually limping on one leg, or just refusing to walk much at all? Check to make sure she's not egg bound. It doesn't sound like it, as she's eating and seems bright and alert, but egg binding can cause lameness (essentially like sciatica).

Otherwise, as phloydius said in her excellent post, good supportive care and "tincture of time"...

Summerthyme

 

[Chicken Mama]

Look closely at the bottom of her feet. Is there a wound? An odd lump?

BUMBLEFOOT in Chickens: Causes & treatment. **WARNING: Graphic Photos**

Bumblefoot is the term used to describe an infection inside a chicken’s foot referred to as “plantar pododermatitis” by medical professionals. Bumblefoot is characterized by swelling, sometimes redness and often a characteristic black or brown scab on the bottom of the foot. Left untreated...

the-chicken-chick.com

 

[Publius]

I remember a good many years ago a member asked what do you put on an injured chicken and there were a number of responses but one said Gravy works for me.

 

[Walrus Whisperer]

Is she actually limping on one leg, or just refusing to walk much at all? Check to make sure she's not egg bound. It doesn't sound like it, as she's eating and seems bright and alert, but egg binding can cause lameness (essentially like sciatica).

Otherwise, as phloydius said in her excellent post, good supportive care and "tincture of time"...

Summerthyme

I vote egg bound

 

[ghost]

Yesterday one of my laying hens started limping. She is about 10 months old. Today I found her still in the coop. I think she didn’t want to go down the ladder. I picked her up and set her down outside to see what she would do. She just sat and picked at the grass. I checked her legs and feet and don’t see anything amiss. I have her in my chicken hospital- a large crate- and she is eating and drinking. Is there anything else I should be checking?

WAS she attacked by any animal.
Check for any small wounds ?

 

[KMR58]

WAS she attacked by any animal.
Check for any small wounds ?

No she seems good. Actually after reading the article that chicken mama posted I think she does have bumblefoot. Hubby and I did surgery last night and she seemed in better spirits after. We will follow the instructions in the artical and I’ll check my other ladies. Thanks.

 

[KMR58]

Update. Did some minor surgery for bumblefoot and put her to bed in her crate. This morning woke up to her having laid an egg so that was a good sign I think. However, after watching a few youtubes on bumblefoot we weren't convinced we got all of it so re-did the surgery this morning. I have to say she took it in pretty good stride. Lots of blood but not a lot of gunk like we saw on the youtubes. No really hard piece or puss. So now I'm confused. She seems like she is doing better but who knows. Her feet are wrapped and she is back in her crate with fresh bedding, food and water. She did drink some right after I put her in there. I'm feeling so uneducated here and I hate that.

 

[WalknTrot]

She's stressed, away from her flock, and now has lanced foot pads, so she isn't likely to be acting very normal for quite a while. If she keeps eating and drinking, there's certainly hope, but birds in general..once they hit the wall and you are even able to notice there's a problem, they are usually halfway down the path to chicken heaven.

 

[KMR58]

I wonder should I put her crate into the chicken pen so she is nearer her friends?

 

[EMICT]

Consider donating her to that feller in Memphis is always an option.

 

[KMR58]

Consider donating her to that feller in Memphis is always an option.

She is one of my best laying hens and she is only 10 months old. I have a lot invested in her and would like to do everything I can to help her. Thanks.

 

[EMICT]

She is one of my best laying hens and she is only 10 months old. I have a lot invested in her and would like to do everything I can to help her. Thanks.

Understood.

 

[Chicken Mama]

When a bird is away from the flock for more than a couple days she'll have to work her way back up the pecking order. If she's close to being returned to the flock then yes, I'd put her and the crate back in the run as long as it's secure from coons and other critters.

The other birds will peck at the bandaging non-stop, especially if they see a single drop of blood so make sure she's ready and is able to roost.