Arthritic Toe??

[Yard full o' rocks]

I have a 2 year old Buff Orp roo whose demeanor has changed dramatically in recent weeks. He's gone from being a typical Orp to the "rooster from *&!?". I noticed that his middle toe on one foot is swollen (about twice the size of his others) and is bending almost 90 degrees to the right of where it should be. I can find no open wound, nothing stuck into him on the underside of his feet....doesn't look like bumble foot from what I can find here on BYC. Any ideas? Can a chicken have severe arthritis? I guess I would be grumpy too if I had a toe like his!!! Looking for help. Thanks

 

[Renee]

Could it be broken? He sounds a bit young for arthritis...

 

[Judy]

Quote:
I agree, much more likely that it is a fracture. It could be that some sort of splint, like lightweight cardboard and duct tape, would make him more comfortable, especially if the far end of the toe moves when he walks. If it doesn't, I'd probably leave it alone.