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!
Hello & welcome! Have you checked her for bumblefoot? One of mine had it for ages before I really noticed. She too, was sort of ok but quiet, not moving too far from the barn. Failing that, since she seems to be ok, I think I would just monitor her carefully for signs of sickness.As long as she's eating/drinking - wait & see. I'm not as practiced as some on BYC, so maybe someone else will put their 2 cents in, Sue
Heya When you check her leg you need to check for wounds which can be well hidden in amongst their feathers like a puncture wound, heat or redness indicating a possible infection, and then swelling. Check the good leg against the bad, how it moves, play in the joint etc. If you don't find any if these things then she might have simply landed awkwardly and will be as right as rain in a few days, but keep an eye on her just in case it's something more sinister. Check she eats and drinks and is generally happy. If you find any of the above mentioned then you will need to clean her, perhaps administer some pain relief and look towards antibacterial creams and antibiotics. Remember anything ending in caine or Cain is toxic to chickens. Splints need to be to be well above the suspected break and well below. Should not rub, and not be too tight. Ice Lolly sticks or swab sticks can make good splints. I have had both ends of the spectrum, one leghorn (Lilly) landed funny I think. And limped for about 5 days, she was kept a close eye on but remained with her flock and all she had was extra tlc and cuddles. My little maran (pudding) broke her ankle and after antibiotics, creams, splints, force feeding and over 6 weeks she has just returned this week to her flock still limping badly and under close supervision. I think if you have concerns separate her and let her heal, but if you think she's doing ok keep a watchful eye. Ultimately you know her the best and will see tiny changes that others might miss. Either way us BYC'ers are only a click away. Best wishes, hope it's just a sprain xx
you may want to post in the "emergencies, diseases, injuries, cures thread." to get more opinions. When you examine her foot or leg does she pull away or act uncomfortable? Does she cry out at times.? Does she still use roost or stay on the ground? Every detail will help others come up with advice for you. Some people even post videos to show how the bird is acting, walking etc..
Welcome to BYC. As long as she is apparently healthy other than the limp, is eating and drinking, and the flock is not picking on her - I would let nature take it's course. If you remove her from the flock, you will have to go through the 'agony' of reintroduction.
