HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[LesleyS]

Somehow my young hen seriously hurt her leg. I'm not sure if it's dislocated at the "elbow" or just plain broken. It happened a few days ago. She hops along fine on one leg and I can't tell if she's in pain. She eats well but, naturally, can't scratch. What would you do and why?

 

[DobieLover]

If she did in fact break her leg below her hock, it could be splint. But because it's been a few days, a vet should to it.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Welcome To BYC!

Can you upload a video to youtube then provide us a link?
If not, photos of your girl and her leg would be good.

Have you examine the leg for swelling, bruising or other injury?
How old is she?
What type of food/treats do you feed?

Restricting her activity would be a place to start after you examine her. A dog kennel or crate works well.

Looking forward to your video and/or photos and more information, hopefully we can help you further.

 

[LesleyS]

Welcome To BYC!

Can you upload a video to youtube then provide us a link?
If not, photos of your girl and her leg would be good.

Have you examine the leg for swelling, bruising or other injury?
How old is she?
What type of food/treats do you feed?

Restricting her activity would be a place to start after you examine her. A dog kennel or crate works well.

Looking forward to your video and/or photos and more information, hopefully we can help you further.

 

[townchicks]

If possible, take her to a vet. You could try a chicken sling, to take the weight off her leg. If she's not using the leg, that is an indicator of pain. Consider some aspirin or ibuprofen for pain and swelling.

 

[LesleyS]

I can't do you tube video because I have an android. She's about 4 months old, don't really see swelling, maybe a little by the toes. If you need, I'll try to get better pictures when she settles down.

 

[townchicks]

It looks like she has a toe out of place in these pics.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I can't do you tube video because I have an android. She's about 4 months old, don't really see swelling, maybe a little by the toes. If you need, I'll try to get better pictures when she settles down.

Is that how she stands - on her hocks?
If she were to stand up straight, how do the legs look does she look knock kneed or bow legged, does the one leg bend in or out at the knee?

The toes do not look right, she may have a broken or out of place toe which you can try splinting, but I have a feeling there is more going on with her leg as well.
I would try to restrict her activity for a few days, see that she is eating/drinking. Cage her within the run so she can be with the other chickens.

If you do have vet care, that is always best.

Here's some info on splinting
https://theiwrc.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Duerr_Splinting_Manual_2010.pdf

 

[LesleyS]

It looks like she has a toe out of place in these pics.

But she has no use of her leg.

 

[LesleyS]

Thank you all for your replies! Little by little she got better little by little. Today, with the exception of a slight limp, she is back to normal! Running with the others, eating well, and just plain happy chicken! I've never seen anything like it.