Creative Ideas for Helping Gimpy Chicken?

[rebrascora]

I think physiotherapy is important so I would not use a sling all the time, otherwise she will just lose muscle strength. Placing her on a soft surface like grass and encouraging her to walk towards food or some other treat on a daily basis and extending the distance each day would be good to try to maintain her mobility, but if it gets worse, then you could perhaps experiment with cutting the bottom out of the box and fitting it with wheels so that she can propel herself around on a level surface. You will need to watch that her knuckles don't develop sores if she is walking with her toes curled under.

 

[Arya28]

I think physiotherapy is important so I would not use a sling all the time, otherwise she will just lose muscle strength. Placing her on a soft surface like grass and encouraging her to walk towards food or some other treat on a daily basis and extending the distance each day would be good to try to maintain her mobility, but if it gets worse, then you could perhaps experiment with cutting the bottom out of the box and fitting it with wheels so that she can propel herself around on a level surface. You will need to watch that her knuckles don't develop sores if she is walking with her toes curled under.

Ok, that's what I was thinking. It might seem like a dumb question, but I don't know what chickens need, as far as mobility, to be able to stay healthy. We have been bringing her outside every day, she's been moving all around with the rest of them, so I take that as a good sign. When she was little and first started leaning on the hock of her bad leg, it developed a sore and we had to keep cleaning it. Eventually though, it callused over and I think it kind of worked to her advantage because she does lean on her hock a little bit.

 

[Arya28]

We just don't want her to loose strength because she's not moving enough, or have her hurt her legs with her weight- seems like a delicate balance there.

 

[rebrascora]

It would be a good idea to restrict her diet too, so that she doesn't get too heavy or even loses a bit of weight.
It is good that her hock has calloused up. Keep an eye on it though and her knuckles just in case she gets sores again.

 

[Arya28]

Ok, good thought there. She DEFINITELY can get to the food. Lol. She's always eating.

 

[rebrascora]

It will be a delicate balance. If she is happy being unrestricted and foraging with the other chickens then I would let her and keep the chicken sling for occasions where she is clearly struggling to keep herself upright. The more exercise she does, the stronger her good leg will become and the fitter she will be. You also have to think about quality of life.....there is no point in prolonging life just for the sake of it.... if she is constantly stuck in a sling with no way to be a real chicken, then what sort of a life is that..... better to be out there with the others enjoying herself whilst she can.

 

[Arya28]

there is no point in prolonging life just for the sake of it.... if she is constantly stuck in a sling with no way to be a real chicken, then what sort of a life is that..... better to be out there with the others enjoying herself whilst she can.

...And that is the moral dilemma that is going on here... Lol. The chicken sling is definitely a great idea, and thank you for it! I will save it so I have it. If it comes to a point when we need something like that then that will be super helpful.

 

[aart]

Oops, sorry. Just realized I posted this in the wrong spot.

Click on the 'report' link at the lower left of your first post in this thread.
Ask to have it moved to the forum you want it in.

 

[Arya28]

Unfortunately, our gimpy chicken, Autumn, passed away a few days ago. She was the absolute sweetest bird ever. We feel bad about it, but am glad she at least isn't suffering anymore. I think she at least got to have somewhat of a normal happy chicken life, and we loved her lots which is more than a lot of chickens ever get.

 

[rebrascora]

So sorry to hear you lost her.
I know myself how hard it is when you have invested time and care in a "special" chicken over many weeks and months and then you lose them, but, as you say, she is now no longer suffering. You did your best and most of all you loved her.