hen with broken upper leg

daclements · May 18, 2014

my 3 year old black australorp hen has a broken leg above the knee. It happened a week and a half ago. I set it with a splint made from two molded pieces of plastic and sports tape. She is isolated in a small cage. She has started to try to stand in the last two days but because of the position of the leg ,bent at elbow or knee , she can't reach the floor with the injured leg. I am worried it will freeze up like that. Should I leave it alone or try to re splint in a more straight position?

seminolewind · May 18, 2014

I think the important thing is immobilizing the break for 4-6 weeks. The rest of the leg should be okay.

jujub41482 · May 18, 2014

Just today I had a chick who's about 5 weeks old get a broken leg on the upper portion. I'm not entirely sure where the break is exactly but she chirps in pain when I get to her thigh area. I just don't know how I could splint that area, or if it's even worth doing.

Eggcessive · May 18, 2014

Slings can be used to treat some chickens with broken or paralyzed legs. They are the big girl answer to chick chairs: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/713499/my-chicken-sling-pic and here is one from FRIEDeggs:

daclements · May 18, 2014

my Dad fixed one of ours like that when I was a girl. He used two popsicle sticks and gauze . Now there is sports wrap. You could fold it in half then start by wrapping one of the sticks then wrap the stick to the broken area then place the other stick and wrap that one. Don't get it too tight. You will know if it's too tight if the foot gets cold. Isolate the chick and make sure it can get to food and water. That sling looks great for after you get it set. Good luck!

hen with broken upper leg

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daclements

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seminolewind

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Eggcessive

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daclements

Hatching

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