I have a 1 1/2 year old Rhode Island Red hen that started limping during the summer months. It seemed to get a bit better and when I went out today, she is much worse and can hardly put any weight on that foot at all. She is a free range chicken. I have six hens and this is my first time owning chickens, so I have no idea what this could be. Any help would be appreciated!
I am sorry about your hen. I am still a newbie, but I can give you a few tips. Is her foot/leg swollen? Does she have any scabs on the bottom of her foot? She could have 'bumble foot'. Check this site out: http://www.hobbyfarms.com/livestock-and-pets/how-to-treat-bumblefoot-in-chickens.aspx I am also dealing with a Speckled Sussex who is limping. I have been soaking her foot for 5-10 minutes twice a day in warm water with Epsom Salt. She didn't have any scabs on her foot or any hard area. I am also giving her 1/2 of a baby aspirin. She looks to be doing a bit better. Good Luck!! Lisa
So sorry to hear about your hen. I'm a newbie here on BYC, but I have owned chickens for 10 years. What I would do is check for any swelling of any kind on the thigh, shank and hock, as well as the bottom of the foot. TexasLisa had a great idea of bumble foot. If there is a corn-looking scab under her foot, it is bumble foot, which is fairly common. Other than that, there are many injuries she could have had to her leg. She could have a fracture somewhere, or a torn/stretched/misplaced ligament or tendon. You can also check for heat all over her leg. If you suspect an injury, the most useful treatment would be rest. You could try vet-wrapping her leg to keep it steady and bringing her into a barn, garage or house to limit her movement, too. Hope this helps! Keep us updated!
