18 week old pullet leg problems

[dw_618]

Last week i went out to the coop and noticed our 18 week old RIR limping. Now she wont even stand on her left leg and when i hold her and squeeze on it gently she fidgets around when i squeeze up high where her leg meets her body. I'm a newbie at this and i was just wondering if anyone knew what it was or what i should do.

Thanks, dw_618

 

[dlhunicorn]

I noticed noone had replied on this ...
have you separated to an area where her movement is limited (this will help an injury by limiting movement) > if not please do so.
This way you can also monitor any other symptoms and report as they occur. What is her diet?

 

[LynneP]

Separate for a few days and offer her water to which low-dose (81 mg) aspirin has been added- about one tab in 1 quart or litre of water. Be sure to crush the tab so no loose bits are available in solid form. Most likely your pullet is at point of lay and needs more calcium- sometimes they grow so fast that the medullary bones, that will regulate calcium, require more calcium than in the feed. Consider offering her crushed oyster shell while she is separated and some leafy greens. If this is the cause it will take about a week to see significant improvement, but the aspirin will ease her pain gradually and you'll notice that. Another possibility is a larger birds injuring her by jumping on her.

 

[dw_618]

hey sorry I havent posted any updates lately...thanks for the replies and yes we have her separated from the others and got her a calcium tablet and an aspirin crushed up in her water and we gave her oyster shells today...I will post some more later in the week to tell you how she is doing...thanks a lot

dw_618

 

[DIMBY]

wow, that is so similar to what is happening with two of my hens, about 23 weeks old. No wounds, no evidence of bumblefoot; first afflicted hen, a RIR, acted listless, had eyes closed a lot, but had good appetite and drank water OK. She's doing much better now, but still limping a bit.

Second hen is a tiny mutt, barely weighs 3 pounds I bet. For a week have been soaking their feet in epson salts and spraying neosporin on as well. Based on yesterday's postings, I changed out straw to pine shavings, disinfected with Nolvasan. Hens are separated from others. I inherited these hens, not sure if they had good diets that included oyster shell, but from day 1 (I got them two weeks ago) I have been giving them fresh greens and oyster shells. I'm going to add some aspirin to their water in the a.m.! Perhaps we can keep in touch about this thru the forum.

 

[LynneP]

DIMBY- Be sure your neosporin does not have painkiller in it...use the plain stuff.

 

[DIMBY]

Hi, wondering what the status is of your sick hen?