Coturnix leg advice?

[Lemming]

Can anyone help?

One of my girls has really swollen hocks (I think is the right term?). She’s had a bit of a limp, I initially thought it was calcium, then I thought maybe leg mites. Started treating for mites & that’s when I noticed her poor hocks.

They aren’t especially hot & quite firm (not like liquid), but she is really struggling to walk but eating, drinking & has a good flap when I inspect her!


Is there anything I can do? I can’t get an exotic vet appt till next week & they are so expensive I’m worried I’m missing something obvious I could treat or that I won’t be able to afford the treatment on top of the consultation (I’ve recently had to reduce my work hours due to ill health, I’m not just an irresponsible owner)

I’ve seen about splints & slings etc, but I don’t know where to start. Any advice would be really appreciated.

Also does that look like scaly leg? I soaked & sudocremed them all yesterday & that seems to have helped a bit.

 

[AniaOnion]

I am having the same problem! Her limp goes way down when I soak it in warm water with epsom salts, but I'm still worried about her. Did you ever find out what it is?

 

[anna-newhampshire]

Someone who got advice from an organic vet uses an old treatment - cabbage poultice.
Here is the link with detailed instructions: https://holistic-hen.blogspot.com/2016/01/treating-swollen-feet-or-joints-with.html#.Vpuv9l5VKlM
I just read about this and would try it if it was my bird. Best of luck to you both @Lemming and @AniaOnion.

 

[Lemming]

Ooh thanks, I’ll look into that.

To be honest my best guess is that it’s to do with them being heavy birds not really built for long life (mine is a jumbo, so meat birds really) I’ve moved them all into a smaller cage & made sure she can reach everything. She seems content enough in herself, not losing weight or showing signs of discomfort. I’ve just accepted she’s a bit disabled & do my best to spoil her!