Broken sternum/keel

[Margot30]

About 2 weeks ago we noticed that a bantam australorp cross chicken had been injured possibly by a roo. I noticed that her balance was off and is getting worse and that there is a bone protruding from just under her neck. She's still interested in eating and drinking but its very hard for her as she can't bend her neck forwards. Does anyone have any ideas about treatment? Bandaging maybe? Please dont offer advice if it involves culling

 

[WVduckchick]

Wow, I've got nothing to help you except support. Curious to see what others have to say.
I would think there should be some way to bandage her with vet-wrap, and leave her wings loose, but I'm just thinking out loud.

Best of luck! She's beautiful, I hope there is something you can do for her.

 

[micstrachan]

I’m having a little trouble understanding what I’m seeing. It almost looks like her crop is pushed up.
For starters, can you provide a nipple waterer for her where she can reach it without bending forward? And maybe have her feed up higher, as well?
Is a vet an option?

 

[ChickNanny13]

Think this is one for a Vet ... Hang in there, someone with more experience will be peeping in @casportpony @WVduckchick

 

[Margot30]

I’m having a little trouble understanding what I’m seeing. It almost looks like her crop is pushed up.
For starters, can you provide a nipple waterer for her where she can reach it without bending forward? And maybe have her feed up higher, as well?
Is a vet an option?

I hadnt thought of a nipple waterer but I will get one, thanks! I've been giving her some water in a syringe to try help. I'v tried the food up and down and both seem to have the same issues but you are right, its betterish up.

 

[Margot30]

Wow, I've got nothing to help you except support. Curious to see what others have to say.
I would think there should be some way to bandage her with vet-wrap, and leave her wings loose, but I'm just thinking out loud.

Best of luck! She's beautiful, I hope there is something you can do for her.

I thought wrapping was a good idea but then I doubted myself. Thanks!

 

[casportpony]

Can you pluck the feathers from the area so we can see what's going on better?

If she can't eat/drink you will need to tube feed, which we can teach you how to do.

 

[Margot30]

Can you pluck the feathers from the area so we can see what's going on better?

If she can't eat/drink you will need to tube feed, which we can teach you how to do.

She's moulting so it shouldn't be too hard to get the feathers out. I will have a go in the morning.
She's still very interested in food, just cant balance very well or bend forward to get to it. If I hold it in my hand to the side of her head she eats whatever I give her

 

[casportpony]

She's moulting so it shouldn't be too hard to get the feathers out. I will have a go in the morning.
She's still very interested in food, just cant balance very well or bend forward to get to it. If I hold it in my hand to the side of her head she eats whatever I give her

You need to weigh her daily. If she loses 5% of her wight then you will have to tube food and fluids, so be prepared to do this.

 

[Eggcessive]

To me it looks like she might have a leaking air sac in the pictures. Does her left upper chest feel balloon-like under the skin. A leaking air sac or subcutaneous emphysema, can be deflated with inserting a needle just barely under the skin, remove it, and then pressing the air out.Leaking air sacs happen from trauma or injury, and air leaks under the skin.