HELP chicken hit ground hard

[dawgbite]

Need help - advice

I have a hen who I keep in a separate section of coop - away from flock (she gets beat on otherwise). About once a week, I let her free range. Part of her outdoor routine includes about 5 minutes of "exercise" I give her by throwing her in the air, so she flaps her wings and I catch her. Well I missed her - she landed straight onto the ground hard - it was really loud. She seemed ok last night and this morning - but I am worried about her. I threw her at least 15 feet high.....anyone have suggestions (what to watch for, what injury, etc?) Keep the wise cracks and criticism to your self - it was an honest miss and I feel bad enough

 

[HDLMN]

I think that it really would depend on the way she landed, and how hard she was flapping, if she seemed ok over night she is probably going to be fine.

 

[dawgbite]

She was flapping full speed - but she is a full size hen so gravity was in pretty much full effect. She landed on her feet and chest - it sounded gross. Loud - like she was slammed. She seemed a bit out of it at first. But I listened for her breathing - normal. She had no loose bones in her chest. and she did not react with pain to squeezes on her legs and chest....did i get away with a mistake here?

 

[HDLMN]

With the full on flapping, the bone, breathing, and pain checks, I think that you got away clean here, luckily! just keep an eye on her

 

[aart]

Sounds like you got a pass...and I hope you will stop doing that.

 

[happyhens1972]

This is not a wisecrack or criticism but what is your reason for doing this? If it is purely for exercise, she will get that from her time free ranging. Or you could just hold on to her and lift and drop her without actually letting go, just drop your arms, and she will flap without the risk of injury.