Broken leg at the joint

[RoosterWhisperer]

Hello. We are relatively new to guineas and adore them. I have a 3 month old female that appears to have broken her leg at the joint. She won't put weight on it, and it is really loose at the joint area, unlike her good leg. We're not sure how it happened, as she hobbled back from free ranging in the evening to be cooped up.

She's in a kennel in our mudroom with food and water, and her leg is in a splint. She's alert, and seems normal except for her leg.

Culling is not even an option for us. I understand that guineas do alright with just one leg- in case this doesn't heal right.

Has anyone had experience with this? It's so hard to find good information on guineas. I've looked at the generic poultry guide to injuries that everyone posts, but it is not too helpful in this situation, and pretty generic. How long does it take for this type of wound to heal? Is there anything else we can do to help her be more comfortable? View attachment 2315957

We had the EXACT same thing, our hen broke hers at the joint, so we splinted it, but then took the splint off and its almost healed in about 3 months

 

[casportpony]

Great video! That's a hard one to splint because ideally you want to immobilize the joints above and below the fracture. As soon as I can get on the computer I will send you a picture that shows how I would splint it.

 

[Tiranni]

Great video! That's a hard one to splint because ideally you want to immobilize the joints above and below the fracture. As soon as I can get on the computer I will send you a picture that shows how I would splint it.

Thank you! I really appreciate it.

 

[casportpony]

This is how I would splint it:

Source - https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/veterinary-science-and-veterinary-medicine/tarsometatarsus

 

[Mixed flock enthusiast]

So we re-wrapped her leg, and took pictures of what we've done. It seems broken or wobbly right above her ankle area (above my pointer finger in the picture). View attachment 2316773
We made a sort of wedge out of cotton and bandage for between the joint area.
View attachment 2316774
Here's a video of the "wobbly" spot on her leg.

We made a hammock with leg holes for her, as she was pooping all over herself.
View attachment 2316776

Awww, you’ve put a lot of thought into helping this girl! What’s her name? That’s awesome that she will tolerate the sling. She’s of a good age to help her, able to accept your help and physically resilient. I hope she does well for you!!!

 

[Tiranni]

Awww, you’ve put a lot of thought into helping this girl! What’s her name? That’s awesome that she will tolerate the sling. She’s of a good age to help her, able to accept your help and physically resilient. I hope she does well for you!!!

Thanks! We haven't named her yet, but I have a feeling she will have one soon after all of this. We love our guineas, I couldn't imagine not trying to help them.

 

[Tiranni]

She's making progress. I re-wrapped her leg today and she can move it a little, not to mention that the break area doesn't seem as wobbly now. I think she should be good in a few weeks or so.

Here is a picture of her setup sans-guinea.

And her she is today. Alert, chatty, and feisty as ever.

 

[Tiranni]

Awww, you’ve put a lot of thought into helping this girl! What’s her name? That’s awesome that she will tolerate the sling. She’s of a good age to help her, able to accept your help and physically resilient. I hope she does well for you!!!

We have named her Peg, as in "Peg-leg" lol

 

[Mixed flock enthusiast]

She's making progress. I re-wrapped her leg today and she can move it a little, not to mention that the break area doesn't seem as wobbly now. I think she should be good in a few weeks or so.

Here is a picture of her setup sans-guinea. View attachment 2322637View attachment 2322639
And her she is today. Alert, chatty, and feisty as ever. View attachment 2322640

Oh that’s awesome! I’m glad that she’s being calm and letting you help her. She is so lucky to have you to help her get through this. Has her flock been able to see her at all?

 

[Tiranni]

Oh that’s awesome! I’m glad that she’s being calm and letting you help her. She is so lucky to have you to help her get through this. Has her flock been able to see her at all?

I've brought her out to see them a few times. They do their quiet chatty sounds to each other and she seems to really want to join them, she really pulls toward them. Hopefully soon... Winter is coming. Lol