Broken back toe.

[PNW_Peepers]

Hey guys, I have yet another question regarding a pullet in my flock. She injured (either broke, or sprained) her back toe a few days ago and was unable to walk on it. DH and I tried splinting it by putting a cotton ball on the pad of her foot to spread the toes out. She’s now putting slight pressure on it, but she’s obviously in distress. She’s been panting since it happened and has since started twitching her head. I’ve had her isolated in a small cage to limit her movement. What in the world should I be doing? I’ve googled and looked up previous forums but I can’t find anything describing this particular injury. Please help me!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Do you have a photo of the foot?
Is the back toe bent or is the bone protruding?

From your description is sounds like she is stressed, in pain and/or in shock since she is panting. I'm not sure about the head twitching, possible shock there too.
Do what the best you can to get her relaxed and hydrated. You can also offer an Aspirin solution of 81mg per 1 quart of water for pain if you feel that the only injury is to the foot (she hasn't been crushed or has no internal injuries/bleeding). You may want to sweeten the solution with a little honey. Make plain water or electrolytes available as well. Some birds refuse the aspirin water and will become dehydrated.

Look at the section for splinting the foot in the following article, that may help you.
https://theiwrc.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Duerr_Splinting_Manual_2010.pdf

Keep us posted.

 

[PNW_Peepers]

No photo yet. She’s been laying eggs like normal. The toe seems a little bent but no blood or bones protruding. She won’t extend that toe out. Thank you for the help, I’ll update with photos this evening when I change the splint.