Can I splint a foot??

[Bar' Rock]

We think our 3 month old Americana may have damaged a tendon, nerve or maybe bone jumping down from a high perch in the coop. Toes on one foot don't open properly when she walks, causing her to limp on her folded toes.

Can we/should we try to make a splint that holds toes open/flat & braces the lower leg segment?

Any advice for these chicken newbies is much appreciated!

 

[duckyfromoz]

I once use little sticky pads to correct a ducklings clenched up feet They were designed for human feet for relieving callouses and corns. - A little harder with something that is not web footed I would imagine- But certainly not out of the question. I wouldnt know what to suggest - but surely someone else who has splinted a hens foot will have some advise.
If the bone is broken though- splinting may increase any pain felt- Can you keep her confined in a small area to stop her walking around too much while she heals??

 

[NurseDr]

Storey's guide recommends the use of pipe cleaner for splints.

 

[Bar' Rock]

Thanks for the tip! There's no swelling or hot spots, so I don't think there's a break. I'm just hoping it isn't something genetic, viral or something. We've been keeping her in a large aviary next to the coop (as opposed to letting her free-range our 10 acres with the rest of the flock), but perhaps we should confine her even more. We've got her sleeping in a nesting box (as opposed to trying to perch), which she seems agreeable to. We are hoping for an example/advice as to how best to splint a chicken foot/leg...seems a bit like a rubics cube puzzle to us right now!!!