Bad leg

[nchls school]

This is a d'uccle hen that had been broody and had just hatched chicks. The day after the chicks hatched she became lame. The joint is swollen and hot to the touch-possible infection; the hen is otherwise healthy. There was no apparent cause as she had been in a small bare pen with her new chicks. I had thought the leg would improve, but it has been two-three weeks and, if anything, the lameness has worsened. I would appreciate any advice on how to help her.

The nails have been trimmed and her leg feathering cleaned.

 

[azygous]

I can see swelling and a possible abrasion where bacteria might have entered the wound to cause infection. But the photo lacks context so I can't really see where on the leg or foot the wound is located . The swelling can be from an infected wound or it can be from a more serious disorder that causes fluids to accumulate in the feet.

Either describe precisely where the wound is on the leg or foot or post some more photos, some closeup, but some farther out to show where the wound is and what the whole leg and foot looks like. It would also help to see the other leg and foot for comparison.

It's easy to assume your photo will show us everything you are seeing, but the fact is, it doesn't show much without also showing where on the chicken it is by showing the rest of the chicken's body.

In addition to more photos, please select "full image" after clicking on "Insert". Here is a photo that is posted as "full image". If you click on it, it zooms in for more detail.

 

[nchls school]

The swelling is located at the joint between thigh and leg. The other leg is normal; no abrasion and no swelling. Pictures at other angles would show nothing other than a feathered leg.

 

[azygous]

That description helps to clarify it. It appears this chicken has a joint injury or viral arthritis. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/poultry/viral-arthritis/viral-arthritis-in-poultry

It would still help us to see more photos. Our imaginations can only fill in so many blanks and that information is not anywhere close to accurate.

Unless we are standing right next to you looking at your chicken, we have to rely on you to provide a thorough word description of what you see, augmented with a variety pf photos taken from different angles and distance. This will help us to come as close as possible to seeing what you are seeing.

Background info also is helpful. Age of chicken is very important.

 

[nchls school]

Frustration time-my wife is gone for the day with the cell that was used to take the picture. The hen is about a year old with no prior health issues. She is fed a diet of gamebird/layer mash, some scratch and greens.