Hen limping, what would you do?

[andree]

One of our 2 year old hens, always in great shape and good layer, started limping 4 days ago. I think that this happened as the result of flying above the netting of the hen run enclosure. I spotted her on our lawn outside her run, just standing still on our lawn, which I knew right away was a sign of a problem because normally she pecks and move all the time (unless she is dust bathing). I didn't see what happened but since she was fine the day before and limping once outside of the enclosure, i'm assuming that she got her leg caught in the netting and somehow injured herself.

She has been isolated for three days and her leg is not getting any better. She is limping and trying to hop around on one leg.

My problem is that we are leaving soon on holidays and we have a neighbour checking on the hens daily but she is inexperienced. I don't see how the hen can get in and out of the hen house if we leave her with the others. And asking the neighbour to check on a sick chicken isn't right either.

So I'm wondering if we have to cull her because we're leaving?

Does anyone have advice? Perhaps there is another option that I haven't thought of.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Is she laying eggs?
Any swelling, redness/tenderness of the leg, toes or joints?
Is she alert, eating/drinking, pooping o.k.?
How/where are you keeping her?
How long will you be gone?

It's hard to know what's going on with her - could just be injury that's going to take time to recover from or she may have more going on and this is the first symptoms you see.

You can explain to the neighbor your situation and see if they are willing to tend to her while you are away. If they are, then do something nice and extra special for them.
If they aren't comfortable seeing to her, then putting her down is an option.

 

[Eggcessive]

Can you take her in to a vet for an xray to see if it is a broken bone, or where the injury is located? Rest may help if it is a sprain, but it depends on where the injury is, lower leg, or upper leg, if it will heal or not. She could be confined to a dog crate with food and water to force her to rest. Leg injuries can take days or weeks to heal. A vet could prescribe meloxicam to help with pain and inflammation. Aspirin can be given in food 81 mg twice a day or in water, 325 mg for each 8 ounces of water.