Big Girl is limping! Help me, please!

[Kiki]

Afraid video is out of the question as I don't have any idea how to work with UTube other than to watch stuff.

Merek's Disease has crossed my mind as Tractor Supply chicks aren't vaccinated for anything which I think is wrong.

Broken leg has also crossed my mind which is why I believe the best thing is to take her to the vet.

No, she can get to food and water just fine, she is in the house today and I'm not going to disturb her.

From the pictures you posted the other day she doesn't not have a broken leg.

 

[RhodeIslandRed5]

Yes, and I thank-you. I still plan to rehome them, it's just when Merek's crossed my mind I thought I'd better wait. If I take her to the vet and he says it's not Merek's, I'll probably list them here on the forum. And then cry my head off.

Ok, I just took these photos of her leg. She is not wanting to put weight it. My other photos don't want to upload, but here's this one.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I would give her some time. She was limping, then she scrambled/fell out of your Mom's arms/hands and fell. Leave her with the others, if she's in pain she will self-limit. No pain killers - let the pain limit her.

 

[RhodeIslandRed5]

She has been lying down a lot today, and I haven't disturbed her. I might give her a fig later, she loves those!

 

[blackandtan]

Are you set on giving them away?

I know you said earlier that “based on what you’ve read on byc chicken keeping has a lot of problems “ (sorry I paraphrased!) Anyway, don’t get the wrong idea from reading all these posts - people from all over the world come here for help and advice when they have problems, which is the exception, not the norm. Most of the time for most of us I’m sure it’s not that hard; chickens need food, water and shelter, anything else is a bonus.

You can spend as much or as little time as you like on them, but beyond simply meeting their basic needs every day most of us really enjoy spending extra time getting to know the flock, cuddling them, giving them treats, creating new toys and fun perches.

Sure accidents happen, and illness, bad weather etc etc, but mostly it’s fun and rewarding, a chance to learn new things, and a guaranteed laugh now and then. All I’m saying is don’t get scared off too soon, give it a try cause I’m the end, it’s all worth it !

 

[RhodeIslandRed5]

I don't want to see them go either, but our yard isn't suited for chickens either. When it rains, it's a swap. Can't let them be free-range 'cause my step-dad is a litterbug and leaves wires and plastic pieces in the yard they shouldn't eat. Worse off is predators. Everything in the world would try their hardest to get them, and I don't have the heart to see my Baby's body torn up by a nasty, stinking coon, possom or coyote.

It's my fault for getting them in the first place. I could kick myself in the head. I never realized how unprepared and unsuited we are for them.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I don't want to see them go either, but our yard isn't suited for chickens either. When it rains, it's a swap. Can't let them be free-range 'cause my step-dad is a litterbug and leaves wires and plastic pieces in the yard they shouldn't eat. Worse off is predators. Everything in the world would try their hardest to get them, and I don't have the heart to see my Baby's body torn up by a nasty, stinking coon, possom or coyote.

It's my fault for getting them in the first place. I could kick myself in the head. I never realized how unprepared and unsuited we are for them.

I'm so sorry you are going through this

If you wish to share some photos of your coop/set-up/yard we may be able to make some suggestions.
As for the Step-Dad, people do what they do. If the chicks are yours, then check the yard frequently and pick up. I too sometimes have to look around when my hubby has been working on that side, he may drop or leave something behind. I periodically sweep the outlying areas with a magnet and even inside the run too - it's surprising the things you find.

Do you have a safe run and secure coop with enough space for your chicks? Fortifying the coop/run may help with your fear of predators. I installed electric fencing as well, but still set-up traps every once in while - haven't caught any thing this year, but have in the past.

Lastly...keeping chickens aren't for everyone, they are very enjoyable to me, but if they are causing you a lot of stress, then it may be best to re-home them. Later on when you are prepared then you can start out again if that's what you wish.

 

[RhodeIslandRed5]

Yeah, I'm feeling sick to myself on thinking of handing over my girls.
No, we still don't have a secure place to leave them in at night. I'm still bringing them in at night. My step-dad cannot build anything correctly because he wants to do things HIS way....which means.. the STUPID way. Believe me, if you've put up with him, and knew his problems and ideas, It'd make you puke. And we don't have the money to buy a ready-made coop. I have a store bought Tractor Supply building, but I keep it on the back porch to put my girls in when the weather's bad and/or the yard coop is too wet. And by yard coop I mean the wired on greenhouse frame. The wire is poorly put on with staples because step-dad thinks that staples are SOOOOOO WONDERFUL..... the top screen is already coming off.

An electric fence was a plan.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I'm so sorry.

 

[RhodeIslandRed5]

Thank-you. Me to. I'll probably age about 20 years during all this. Or get an ulcer. Or have a heartattack. If they go, it'll wrench my heart to see anything with chickens on it, and I'll avoid Tractor Supply during their Chick Days like the plague. (I go in there on occasion 'cause I'm a gardener)