Chicken with broken or dislocated leg

[tlundell]

My 2-year-old Rhode Island Red was unusually quiet a few days ago, and when I approached it was clear that one of her legs was not functioning. She hopped on one foot and flapped her wings to move about, and when she next settled down, her leg was stretched out in front of her rather than being tucked underneath as usual. She has managed to get around minimally and to get in and out of the coop, but when I put her down this morning next to the water dispenser, she greedily drank...so probably not getting to food or water normally. I hate to lose her but don't want her to suffer. What do I do?

 

[Eggcessive]

Sorry about your hen. Have you added any new birds over the last few months? Can you look at her foot pad for any sores or scabs, and along her entire leg for redness, green bruising, or selling? How high are your roosts? Do you have a rooster who might have injured her while trying to mate? You probably should separate her, but keep her near her flock within sight. A wire dog crate with food and water within reach would be good. Or you could try her in a homemade chicken sling with food and water attached, for several hours a day, giving her rest periods. Here is a good thread with examples and a video, especially post 5, 11-14:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/versions-of-chick-chairs-please.1166308/