7yo Hen with Spur Injury?

[beezymama76]

Hi. We noticed our 7yo rhode island red wouldn't get off her perch this morning and after helping her down see that she's limping. I had not seen this before, but she has spurs!

One spur looks healthy like I see in pics, but it is long. Needs trimmed. But the other spur is shorter and it's purple!

As soon as I get home tonight I plan to soak her in Epson salt and try to clean the feet and spurs.

I really have no clue what else to do.

She's eating fine but not walking much. Please advise!

 

[azygous]

She may have lost the outer sheath from the spur that appears to be shorter and purple. It happens, and it's not serious. The outer spur will regrow. There really isn't anything special you need to do.

It's easier to remove the other spur, though, than try to trim it. Take pliers and grasp the base of the other spur firmly. Twist back and forth a few times to loosen it, then simply lift it off the spur nub.

It will then match the other spur and you won't need to trim them for a year. Or remove the outer sheath on both when they get too long again. It is not uncommon at all for a hen to have spurs, especially as they get older.

 

[beezymama76]

She may have lost the outer sheath from the spur that appears to be shorter and purple. It happens, and it's not serious. The outer spur will regrow. There really isn't anything special you need to do.

It's easier to remove the other spur, though, than try to trim it. Take pliers and grasp the base of the other spur firmly. Twist back and forth a few times to loosen it, then simply lift it off the spur nub.

It will then match the other spur and you won't need to trim them for a year. Or remove the outer sheath on both when they get too long again. It is not uncommon at all for a hen to have spurs, especially as they get older.

Thoughts on her limping!?

 

[azygous]

In order for the spur sheath to be lost, she had to have had an accident that caught the leg on something, likely straining it. If she has light colored legs, you might see light green bruising on the shank of that leg.

Give her one chewable aspirin twice a day for pain, and it will also decrease any inflamed tissue shortening healing time.

 

[beezymama76]

In order for the spur sheath to be lost, she had to have had an accident that caught the leg on something, likely straining it. If she has light colored legs, you might see light green bruising on the shank of that leg.

Give her one chewable aspirin twice a day for pain, and it will also decrease any inflamed tissue shortening healing time.

Thank you so much!!!