help!! chicken cant walk

[sylviecolin]

so yesterday morning we found one of our hens laying on the ground. she cannot seem to put any weight on her left leg. i have checked her foot all the way up and unable to find a break or sensitive spot but none. only when we flip her over she ccant put weight on her leg.she stands up on her good leg but not for long, then seems to find a spot and rest. she eats anything i give her and drinks. poop seems normal. i thought maybe a sprain. just hoping it isnt something worse. anyone have this problem before?

 

[Free Spirit]

I'm assuming you also checked the bottom of her feet to rule out cuts, splinters, or bumblefoot (sores), swelling, etc. Is her leg warm to the touch?

You'll need to separate her from the rest of the flock and monitor her. If it is a sprain it can take several days to several weeks to heal depending on the severity.

 

[sylviecolin]

i think she sprained it. she is doing much better but still limping. we are having a problem with chipmunks or red squirrels. i wonder if they are trying to steal their eggs at night and hurting my chickens in the process. we saw some stealing grain and the chickens fighting them.

 

[Free Spirit]

If she is doing better then keep her separated and let her continue to rest and allow it to heal on its own.

If you suspect a squirrel is responsible then here is some reading from the Learning Center of BYC on what you can do to protect your flock from them.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/...s-how-to-protect-your-chickens-from-squirrels

This other link features other pests and predators you may want to keep an eye out for and their behaviors

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/chicken-predators-pests-how-to-protect-treat-your-flock

 

[sylviecolin]

thanks.we went in and sealed up any cracks on the floor where they can get in. bought traps to catch them . not sure where we can take them once we catch them but... i guess we will see.