i have this hen that I've had for about 6 months now. I think she has a leg deformity as she can barely walk. When she sits down the injured leg sort of just sprawls out, I don't even know if she can use it. I keep her in the duck pen during the day so the other hens don't bother her and she is safe from any predators, and at night she sleeps in a pet carrier. (In a coop) I just don't really know what else I can do besides take her to a vet?? I want her to be as happy as possible. I just need some advice on what i should do.
Does she ever put weight on it? If you put your hand under that foot does she curl her toes around your hand/fingers? Does the leg and/or foot look "not normal"? Can you palpate the leg all the way up and find any swollen spots or hardened lumps that shouldn't be there or any heat? Can you flex the leg and if so, does it seem painful to her? Has she had this the whole time you've had her? What feed is she getting? How old is she? If she's of laying age, is she laying? Answers to these questions will help folks guide you in determining the best course of action to take for your gal.
Did the hen have this problem when you got her ? If not, when did you notice the deformity ? How old is she ? Any answers you can give will help people her to help you further...
Your chicken may have a valgus-varus deformity or a slipped tendon. There are many leg bone deformities in meat chickens as well as some in layers. Many are a result of vitamin or trace mineral deficiencies in the parent stock, or from genetics. These tend to worsen with age, and although some have success treating a slipped tendon in very young chicks, there is not much you can do except treat with a good vitamin/mineral supplement and hope for the best. The following links give some information, the first one you will need to click on the various pages to see pictures, and the 3rd one takes some time to download for the pictures: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1790586/ http://www.merckmanuals.com/vet/pou...nfectious_skeletal_disorders_in_broilers.html http://nhjy.hzau.edu.cn/kech/synkx/dong/2bao/Bone disorders in poultry.pdf