- Nov 30, 2013
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Hi all. I am a relatively new (under 1 year) chicken mom to 21 layers. I adore my 'chickie babes' and love the treasure they give me every day. I've enjoyed it so much that I have started my second batch of chicks and the whole flock is doing well. Sort of...
One of my Welsummers suddently started limping about a week ago. I have been keeping an eye on her. I inspected the foot, leg, hip for any sign of visible trauma, but couldn't see anything unusual. I have allowed her to stay free roaming with the rest of the flock, because she doesn't seem to be being picked on, and she is hobbling around and scratching okay, although I do see her going off along sometimes and sitting quietly. Her feathers still look great, she doesn't seem to be losing weight, her eyes look okay.
I have spent about 6 hours reading a zillion posts on BYC and all over the internet, and I am still not sure what course of action to take. In fact, I feel more confused than ever. Should I give her aspirin and watch for any change in behavior / should I isolate her and keep her warm and spoiled / should I wait longer and just keep monitoring things / should I try to bandage or splint her leg / should I treat her with antibiotics or something just in case .......? I am worried about her suffering, and I don't want contagious issues to spread to my other chickens, yet I also don't want to put her to sleep (I know I'm going to have to face that one day, but it is a dreaded part of owning chickens for me). I am not keen to use meds for no good reason.
There is an avian vet not too far away from me, who will be open on Monday, but it will be a major struggle to pay the fees, so I have not yet made an appointment.
Suggestions, opinions, please???
Thank you!
One of my Welsummers suddently started limping about a week ago. I have been keeping an eye on her. I inspected the foot, leg, hip for any sign of visible trauma, but couldn't see anything unusual. I have allowed her to stay free roaming with the rest of the flock, because she doesn't seem to be being picked on, and she is hobbling around and scratching okay, although I do see her going off along sometimes and sitting quietly. Her feathers still look great, she doesn't seem to be losing weight, her eyes look okay.
I have spent about 6 hours reading a zillion posts on BYC and all over the internet, and I am still not sure what course of action to take. In fact, I feel more confused than ever. Should I give her aspirin and watch for any change in behavior / should I isolate her and keep her warm and spoiled / should I wait longer and just keep monitoring things / should I try to bandage or splint her leg / should I treat her with antibiotics or something just in case .......? I am worried about her suffering, and I don't want contagious issues to spread to my other chickens, yet I also don't want to put her to sleep (I know I'm going to have to face that one day, but it is a dreaded part of owning chickens for me). I am not keen to use meds for no good reason.
There is an avian vet not too far away from me, who will be open on Monday, but it will be a major struggle to pay the fees, so I have not yet made an appointment.
Suggestions, opinions, please???
Thank you!