Hen is Limping After Slipping on Icy Coop

[aart]

If limp is really bothering them by inhibiting their normal activities too much, I will isolate them in a crate to 'force' rest for a day or two. Letting them out late in day, an hour before roost time, to give them a stretch and evaluate their mobility, then decide if they need another day and put them back in crate off roost after dark. Repeat stretch and eval the next day until they are better. Keep crate in coop so bird can remain 'with' the flock.

 

[Eggcessive]

I would let her stay out and be as active today as she feels like. It does seem like she may have sprained something, foot, ankle, knee, or hip. Azygous has a good suggestion to look for green bruising tomorrow, as well as any swelling in a joint. I would not use a sling on her, since they can injure themselves trying to escape them when they don’t need to be in them. Those are more for extremely lame or disabled chickens.

Tonight, you may want to place her on the roost if you can come out in the morning to get her off before daylight. Or cage her this evening with bedding. If she is worse tomorrow, you could limit her activity in a pen or dog crate with food and water. If you have lots of money, an xray could rule out a fracture, but sprains are more common. They don’t really measure aspirin in grains anymore, but in miligrams. 81 mg equals 1 grain, and 325 mg equals a 5 grain aspirin. If you use aspirin, it can cause bleeding of the GI tract after 3 days. Vets can prescribe meloxicam, and anti inflammatory drug.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Good suggestions from everyone. I too would leave her with the flock.

Only thing I would add it to take Maggie's leg band off in case the foot/leg swells.

I agree...spoiled Maggie's in good hands.

 

[ChickenMama1421]

I would let her stay out and be as active today as she feels like. It does seem like she may have sprained something, foot, ankle, knee, or hip. Azygous has a good suggestion to look for green bruising tomorrow, as well as any swelling in a joint. I would not use a sling on her, since they can injure themselves trying to escape them when they don’t need to be in them. Those are more for extremely lame or disabled chickens.

Tonight, you may want to place her on the roost if you can come out in the morning to get her off before daylight. Or cage her this evening with bedding. If she is worse tomorrow, you could limit her activity in a pen or dog crate with food and water. If you have lots of money, an xray could rule out a fracture, but sprains are more common. They don’t really measure aspirin in grains anymore, but in miligrams. 81 mg equals 1 grain, and 325 mg equals a 5 grain aspirin. If you use aspirin, it can cause bleeding of the GI tract after 3 days. Vets can prescribe meloxicam, and anti inflammatory drug.

That sounds about like what I do already, so it won’t be difficult to add in the putting her on & taking her off the roost! I definitely don’t have tons & tons of money, so I’m gonna try everything I can at home unless things take a turn! So far, no swelling or bruising is apparent & she’s taking it easy on her own, but still doing her squat/waddle/vibrate (she does it every time she wants me to pick her up) when I’m close, so she’s still “herself” so far! I can’t thank you all enough! I feel more like I’m able to handle this than I did this morning, for sure!

 

[ChickenMama1421]

Good suggestions from everyone. I too would leave her with the flock.

Only thing I would add it to take Maggie's leg band off in case the foot/leg swells.

I agree...spoiled Maggie's in good hands.

Thank you, so so much! I didn’t think about taking her leg band off, so I appreciate that, very much! I sure do love that sassy girl, so I’m super grateful for everyone’s help!

 

[ChickenMama1421]

If limp is really bothering them by inhibiting their normal activities too much, I will isolate them in a crate to 'force' rest for a day or two. Letting them out late in day, an hour before roost time, to give them a stretch and evaluate their mobility, then decide if they need another day and put them back in crate off roost after dark. Repeat stretch and eval the next day until they are better. Keep crate in coop so bird can remain 'with' the flock.

This is absolutely doable! She doesn’t seem to be in immense pain, so that’s a plus right now. I just checked for swelling/bruising again & so far, so good! I have two extra kennels, one is perfect for keeping her in coop & the other one is perfect for inside! I just worry about my rooster trying to get into the kennels if I put them in coop! He’s stubborn & bless him, wry tailed, so he does everything crooked! Lol I have a two hen coop that would be perfect for Bonnie (injured) or Thelma (the rooster) & if I knew for sure he wouldn’t mount, they could stay in together bc he’s been very cautious with & around her today, so that’s also a plus…however, I’m not willing to risk it right now! More than likely, I’ll try to get her to roost tonight & off roost in the morning, unless she seems to be too tired or sore this evening! I really can’t thank y’all enough for your advice, as I feel much better & more capable of helping her get through this!

 

[ChickenMama1421]

Quick update for y’all today!! I, again, can’t thank you all enough! Bonnie is feeling much better today!!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

She's doing better!
It can take time for them to recover, let her self limit her activity.
I would still lift her up and get her down from roosting bars for a while if possible so she doesn't have to jump and possibly delay healing.

 

[ChickenMama1421]

Two peas in a pod! Bonnie & Clyde…(Both are hens! Lol)

 

[ChickenMama1421]

She's doing better!
It can take time for them to recover, let her self limit her activity.
I would still lift her up and get her down from roosting bars for a while if possible so she doesn't have to jump and possibly delay healing.

Thank you!! I’m still going to make sure she’s not putting too much strain on it, so I’ll definitely do what I did last night & this morning, getting her up & down! Im still not seeing any bruising, but I’m going to keep an eye out, just for my comfort & hers! Y’all are amazing & I’m so glad I have this outlet!