Broken Leg...

[ajcountrylife]

I have a 4 week old chick that broke its leg. We splinted it and have kept her isolated from the rest so she can heal.
1. At what point can I put her with the other chickens????
2. Also, She doesnt seem to close her hand much but tries to use the leg once in while to move around. What else can I do for her at this point; she doesnt seem to be in any pain that she is letting us know of!

Thanks for the help!

 

[horsejody]

How do you know it's broken? Was there an accident?

 

[threehorses]

It'll take no less than 10 days for the bone to heal. I've found that it usually takes longer. Bird bones are complicated. I've found that it takes longer for them to actually be able to walk on them.

The space for this baby should be limited so that he doesn't walk much. Like humans, you want them to not use the leg a terrible lot. That doesn't mean make him not walk, just make the cage smaller so he doesn't run.

Keep him near the other babies, or put a sibling in with him who is the smallest and meekest of the batch.

Her being able to close her foot and the strength thereof will come with time. But it takes at least 2 weeks if not a month. in a baby it might not be as bad, but then again she'll be growing which will strain the leg a bit. She might be permanently a little gimpy, but if she's eating and drinking I'm betting you won't mind.

Just make sure she's still eating and drinking. Her feed should definitely be starter/grower so that she's getting enough to be able to heal that bone and to develop.

Please let us know how she does.