Help! Limping 6-8 week old chick!

[JenniferC]

One of my chickens is limping. She's sort of the runt of the flock size-wise, thought the other chickens don't seem to pick on her.

The other day I saw her hanging by herself in the coop while the others were out foraging- which is weird. This morning she seems to be hanging with the other girls, but is often sitting down rather than standing.

I looked at her legs and feet and the toes on the limping side foot are curled under- not splayed like normal.

There's no sign of injury or blood anywhere. I wondered if one of my kids might have hurt her, but I can't imagine how they would have.

Also- a couple days ago she fell in the pond. She struggled to get out, but finally just sat there floating till I got her out. Maybe she pulled something? She didn't start limping till today- or yesterday.

Do chickens sprain their legs?

Has anyone else seen this type of thing?

 

[DuckLady]

It sounds like a sprain. If nothing feels broken, just keep her separated and keep an eye on her.
You might wash her foot and look to see if there is not a thorn or something in the foot pad.

 

[JenniferC]

Quote:
Thanks. How important is it to keep her separated? The other chickens don't seem to mind her. I have 2 Brahmas and 2 Cochins. The brahmas fight a bit for dominance, but all my girls are pretty passive overall.

 

[DuckLady]

Well, if she was injured by being trampled you don't want to risk a recurrance. Likewise, you want her to rest her leg instead of trying to keep up with the others.

 

[sammi]

check the foot, and between the toes also..

check the legs, hip/back area for any heat or swelling..

try to keep in a confined area with soft bedding to and good feed and water..extra protein...
so she can rest the foot/leg.