Broken talon?

[tinkx]

This morning I heard a huge racket, and when I ran outside I found one of my hens hanging upside down from the ramp leading to their henhouse. Her middle talon had got caught in one of the rungs on the ramp.I got her down, and she seems ok except that her talon is bent at a funny angle. She's walking on it, doesn't seem to be limping, but it *just* happened so I don't know if its just shock at this point. The skin is not broken at all, its just bent to the right at about a 45-50 degree angle.

Is this something I need to take her to the vet for? Try to straighten myself? Wait and see?

 

[Judy]

Vet is personal choice -- lots of money for what is probably a fairly minor injury. I have had more than one chicken who had a permanently bent toe.

You can try splinting, tape the foot to a piece of cardboard with duct tape so the cardboard is like the sole of a shoe. Or just watch her, maybe isolate her and let her rest for a day or two. You never know, though, if you will do more damage trying to straighten the toe. If she were mine and the toe was flat on the ground like the rest, I would leave it alone and rest her.

 

[tinkx]

Yes it is flat on the ground, or I would have reeeeally freaked out. So if no bleeding and she doesn't seem to be in pain, it will just heal crooked?

 

[carrlr]

I would just monitor her to make sure she is able to be mobile. If you decide to use duct tape keep in mind it can adhere to skin.

 

[tinkx]

So far she is tucking it up under her when she is standing but seems able to walk on it fine. I don't know if I can get a splint on her, she is named Squirrely for a reason

 

[Matt A NC]

I had a hen for several years named "Broke Toes". That happened when she was very young.

If you can't splint it then it will just heal a bit crooked. I am sure it is tender right now, but she should be fine in a couple weeks.

Matt

 

[ChickenMadness]

Hi there, going with the splint idea (if you can catch her!) stretchy horse bandage works great for attaching as it's adhesive only to itself and easy to alter / remove or reuse!

Also works well cut into a narrow strip and wrapped round for chicks with spraddle leg....in case anyone's interested.

Hope that helps, good luck!

 

[Judy]

You'll have to decide whether it's worth it to try splinting.

I used to have a lead roo we called "broke toe." He hobbled just a little but did not seem to be in pain, and he certainly ruled the flock.