Chicken Limping, no other issues... Can I vet wrap?

[athalia17]

I have a red ranger hen, she is about 6 lbs. The rooster LOVES to chase her, and she is already a very nervous bird. A week or two ago he chased her completely around the yard (2 acres), and she ended up in the corn and I had to go get her out of the corn because she was exhausted and scared. I hate this rooster by the way, he will be exchanged as soon as the next set of roosters are old enough.

Anyway, I went out there yesterday and we saw she was limping. She will very gently put pressure on her right leg- and you can see it hurts. I looked it over and there are no cuts or anything that looks even remotely like bumblefoot. I think the rooster chased her and she did something to her foot. It doesn't feel broken- but she doesn't want to put a lot of weight on it. I separated her out into her own small area now so she will rest- but she pants inside the coop and there is no where else to put her without her getting nervous. Can I vet wrap her leg up and let her go back out? should I vet wrap it anyway? Should I just leaver her alone and let her sweat it out? I feel so bad. I'm new to all of this also.

She has no other symptoms and seems like a very content bird who continues to eat and drink.

 

[MrsBrooke]

Welcome to BYC.

Sorry for your rooster troubles... Some of them make better soups than lawn ornaments. Anyway.

It sounds like she may have sprained/strained her leg or hip. You did the right thing to separate her.

I would keep offering her food and water and mix a little Turmeric (yellow Indian spice) into her food. Turmeric is a powerful, natural anti-inflammatory that will help bring her internal swelling down.

If she shows no improvement or appears to be really hurting, consider building her a chicken sling... https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/713499/my-chicken-sling-pic This will allow her to get the weight off her leg while it heals.

Hope that helps.

Edit to add: Chickens do pant when it's hot, and it may be warm enough depending on where you are. Considering wrapping yourself in a down comforter and heading out in the backyard! HOT!

MrsB