Broken wing?

[glendaschicks]

I noticed when I went out to feed this morning that one of my 19 week Buff Orps has a dangling wing. Things have been getting pretty rowdy in the coop the last few nights, so we put in another roost to add more room, and maybe alleviate the squabbling at night. They free range during the day, only in their coop from dusk till dawn. Could this have happened from being thrown from the roost? It's only about 18" above the poop board. Could it just be sprained? If broken, what is to be done with it?

 

[micah O]

Looks like it is broken and just wait a few days to see if it will get better on its own if not put it in a splint.

 

[glendaschicks]

Looks like it is broken and just wait a few days to see if it will get better on its own if not put it in a splint.

Oh my! I was afraid it was broken. Sorry to be such a newbie, but how do you splint a chicken's wing? We don't handle our chickens much, so details would be great if anyone has the time.

On the off chance (please, please) that it does get better on it's own, how will I determine that? She seemed to be trying to move it a bit this evening, very small movements, but didn't see that this morning.

Just checked on them; she is in the nest box area bedded down by herself.

 

[glendaschicks]

Ok, I've been reading some of the other threads about broken wings on BYC. (Sorry, should have done that before posting a new thread) The wing doesn't seem to be bothering her a great deal, she is still being aggressive toward a couple of pullets on the lower end of the pecking order. I'm thinking that may be why she got injured in the first place! She's a meanie!!

I'm hoping I don't have to try to splint it. I'm going to give her a few days, watch her closely and see how she interacts with the rest of the flock. Anything else I need to worry about?

 

[glendaschicks]

She is much better this evening! Yay She was moving it a little bit more this morning, and holding it up some, instead of just letting it dangle. This evening it is much better, she is bringing it up close to a normal position for a few seconds at a time. So maybe (hopefully) she is over the worst of it. If she can keep out of a squabble at least until it heals, that is...

Thanks to all!