chicken with hurt leg

[mbitzer]

My nephew was holding one of my hens and she got a wing out and left his arms and landed on the ground on her side. My dog was behind us and lunged in and must have punched her nose down on the hen. No feathers or wounds can be found but she is holding her leg up and will not walk. I separated her and have had her resting in a secure quiet area. She eats, drinks and acts normal. At day four now and this is first day she hasn't laid an egg. She does put the foot down weakly but seems to not bee improving. Any advise is appreciated

 

[Diana_burns04]

What does it look like??

 

[mbitzer]

The foot is contracted and she holds her leg up. No visible wounds or broken bones that I can tell. Very weak although she has put the leg down and weakly stood on it on day two

 

[Diana_burns04]

Hope she's doing well??

 

[mbitzer]

Not sure how long I should expect to see improvement

 

[Eggcessive]

Is there any swelling or bruising on the leg or the joints? Is there any displacement of bones or evidence of a fracture? She may have sprained her leg or hip. It can take a few weeks for sprains to heal. I would keep her in a dog crate with food and water in view of the rest of her flock. You may want to start some vitamins or B complex, and she can have aspirin 81 mg low dose once or twice a day for pain.

 

[mbitzer]

Thanks I have not found any evidence of swelling or mechanical abnormality. Just hope its a sprain. I am worried she may become egg bound due to lack of movement. No egg today. Any advise regarding this. Thanks

 

[Eggcessive]

Many chickens will continue to lay eggs after an illness or severe injury. She might take a break though.

 

[mbitzer]

it has been a week since leg injury. Happy to report some improvement, long way to go but things are looking up.

 

[Eggcessive]

Thank you for the update. I hope she continues to get better.