Curled Toes, Hopping Chicken

[Coles FreshEggs]

I have a 1 year old Golden Comet Hen who when letting out a few days ago, was hopping on one leg. She seemed to be free-ranging fine, but a chicken should have both legs. So that brings me to my question, what should I do, what is the problem. Her toes are curled up on her left leg, but her leg isn't broken or anything. The leg is warm, and she doesn't react at all when I move the leg, which leads me to believe that falling or being stepped on isn't the cause of this injury. If you have any helpful information, it would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Eggcessive]

Does she drag the leg or hold it up and hop? Is there swelling or redness the whole length of the leg. Any bumble foot on the foot pad? Mareks disease can cause curling toes along with paralysis of a leg. If she is holding it up, I would think it was more likely a sprain or break. I would put her in a crate in the coop with food, and water with vitamins in it. Leave her in there for a week and re-evaluate her walking. Put her back if she is still limping, and give her another week. This way you can monitor her dropping, her eating, and rest the leg. Splinting can be done if it is broken.

 

[Coles FreshEggs]

Thanks for the response. She is dragging it, but there is no swelling along the entire length of the leg. I'll look into the Marek's disease, because it sound like that could be it. (Let's hope not though). I'll definitely check on her throughout the day, and check for tumors. Thanks so much-Cole

 

[Eggcessive]

I would start her on poultry vitamins in the water since that may help with the curled toes. I'm sorry that Mareks might be a cause. It is very common unfortunately, but some people have flocks with it here on BYC, and are willing to give you advice on your chicks. There is an on-going thread called "Nota an emergency..Mareks in the flock" that is good to visit. Here are 3 good references about Mareks disease: http://extension.unh.edu/resources/files/Resource000791_Rep813.pdf
http://partnersah.vet.cornell.edu/avian-atlas/search/disease/502
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/the-great-big-giant-mareks-disease-faq