We need help identifying a leg injury in our Rhode Island Red. Today while my 9 girls were foraging under our deck they all suddenly got spooked and came flying out into the yard. One of our Rhodies named Cherry was holding her right leg up and wouldn't move. I walked up to her and picked her up to see if she was injured, but didn't find any source such as a sting, bite, cut, or break. I held her for over 30 min checking under the feathers and up and down the hock and shank, but can't find anything. My husband even checked for snakes or something that might have caught her, but nothing. I know for a fact that only the right leg is hurt, but now she will not put any weight on either leg and is just laying down panting.
I know that injured chickens have to be isolated to avoid picking on by the others, but what can I do to help her? I read on another thread that an epsom salt soak might help with sprains or muscle soreness. We will try that and see of a night alone will show any improvement, but I would be ever so grateful for any advice from someone else who has had a suddenly lame chicken before. We love our little Cherry Pop and don't want to lose her to a fixable cause.
I know that injured chickens have to be isolated to avoid picking on by the others, but what can I do to help her? I read on another thread that an epsom salt soak might help with sprains or muscle soreness. We will try that and see of a night alone will show any improvement, but I would be ever so grateful for any advice from someone else who has had a suddenly lame chicken before. We love our little Cherry Pop and don't want to lose her to a fixable cause.
