Thankyou. That is very good advise. I already rehomed the rooster and am giving her epsom bath soaks. She seems to love them. I have her in a low quiet place and she seems comfortable enough there. I will try the asprin and if things don’t improve soon will try to find a vet. Thanks againGreetings MrsYardbird,
It's risky business, when you mix small and large breed chickens, whether there is a rooster or not. Large hens too, can inflict injury to bantam breeds.
It is possible that she sprained a leg, or even broke her pelvis. If her leg was broken, she wouldn't be able to walk at all.
She is probably in some pain, which is why she is walking "gingerly". The only way to know for sure what was damaged, is to have an X-ray done. If you cannot take her to see a vet, for whatever reason, you'll have to diagnose and treat her yourself. I can make some deductions as to what is going on, based on your description of symptoms and events leading to the injury, and also some treatment options. But, you will have to make the decision as to what is needed.
I assume she is not egg bound, because, after a week of not laying an egg, she would have died. But, do palpate her abdomen and check her cloaca for an egg, to make sure she is not egg bound. Also, her poops should be normal, and she should be eating and drinking normally, to rule out other illness.
A sprained leg will heal with time, and so will a broken pelvis.
She needs to rest as much as possible, till she heals. This will take 4 to 7 weeks, maybe longer.
Medical Treatment:
For pain: You can administer Aspirin 20 mg., once or twice a day.
For my standard sized chickens, I use a low dose 80 mg tablet, spit in half with a pill spiltter, (purchase at any pharmacy).
For, your bantam, you'll have to cut each pill into fourths. As, the dose for a bantam will be 20 mg., once every 12 hours, for no more than 3 days. Or, just once a day if pain is not too bad.
One pill will give you 4 doses.
I crush the aspirin in a shot glass, then, add less than 1/8 tsp. of instant gel powder (a thickener), 1/8 tsp. agave nectar or any sweet syrup, stir in 1/8 tsp warm water. Draw into an oral syringe, and administer.
If you decide to just give the 1/4th piece of (80 mg.) aspirin, make sure the chicken eats food, and drinks water with the aspirin. Aspirin needs a buffer to protect the intestines.
Aspirin is a very strong medication and effective at relieving pain. So, use responsibly, more is not better. Do not use if the bird has any bleeding injury, or if the bird is taking other medications, including worming medications.
A vet would be able to prescribe, an anti-inflammatory to relieve her pain. If you don't feel comfortable giving her aspirin, don't, she's gone this far without it.
Anemia:
Anemia often results from injury, external or internal, so this is probably why she is weak. Administer a vitamin supplement with iron in it. I use Pet-Tinic, by Pfizer, purchased at a pet store or online.
Administer, .4 mL, with an oral syringe, every 12 hours. for 3-5 days, to rebuild her blood, give strength, and improve appetite.
Other than this, rest, rest, rest. Good food, fresh water, etc. She should come back in lay, once she is feeling better.
But, it is critical that you no longer allow the large rooster to mate her. If you have several bantams, perhaps you can keep them separate from the standard sized chickens.
She should not be jumping on and off of perches, right now. So you will have to be creative, in a solution to this.
I have used these two treatments on my own chickens with good results.
These are my thoughts on your hen's possible injury. I hope they are helpful.
Other members will offer advice, please consider them too.
God Bless and peace to you.
