Can a healthy chicken survive with one good leg?

[MA Mama]

Long story short.... I have a chicken that was attacked, got a small puncture wound, and a paralyzed leg. The wound is healing great, he is alert, drinking, eating, and wanting to move about. He is clearly fine in all aspects except for the lack of ability to use that leg, or to have any way to get around. He can't get his balance, or even get UP for that matter, on the one good leg. He kind of shimmys around, tummy on the ground, using his good foot. The bad leg just drags, it has no sensation or movement whatsoever, not even to grasp. Is it possible that he will grow strong enough to stand upright on one leg, and stay alive? In your experience, if he never gets use of that leg, can he do OKAY anyway? I DO NOT want a house chicken. I have 2 small children, so i can't dote hand and foot on a chicken for more than a few emergency weeks! THANKS SO MUCH! I appreciate your honesty, even if it isn't good news.

 

[Kevin565]

Is it possible? Yes Will it be easy? No way near. Yes the bird will recover fully but may not be able to ever have great balance. Would it be possible to amputate the leg?

 

[CorinneP]

I have seen pictures .. but I wouldnt know what all is involved .. Good Luck

 

[MA Mama]

I should have added that he is 11 weeks old and a rumpless Araucana. i wonder if not having a tail will negatively affect his balance.

Also - I will ask the vet about amputation, but she really, really didn't know much about chickens even though she is a livestock vet. She told me she found another wound because of some swelling she found. It was his crop. Seriously.

 

[MA Mama]

Is it possible? Yes Will it be easy? No way near. Yes the bird will recover fully but may not be able to ever have great balance. Would it be possible to amputate the leg?

What can I do to help him recover? I don't care if it takes awhile, and I don't care if he is ever productive or perfect, I just don't want another infant for the next 8 years... When you say he will recover fully, do you mean he will just gradually learn to be on the one leg? That's fine with me! I will do what it takes to get him to be indepeandant - any tips would be appreciated!

 

[Kevin565]

What can I do to help him recover? I don't care if it takes awhile, and I don't care if he is ever productive or perfect, I just don't want another infant for the next 8 years... When you say he will recover fully, do you mean he will just gradually learn to be on the one leg? That's fine with me! I will do what it takes to get him to be indepeandant - any tips would be appreciated!

Time is really all you can do at this point. However I would suggest adding some electrolytes. Also with ducks with foot injuries we usually allow them to float in water to learn some control of the injury and to build some muscle. That may be an option you could try. I think if it was amputated he would eventually learn how to balance himself. If not there are plans for a poultry wheelchair you could consider