Hen with a broken leg

[Chicken information]

I recently had to euthanize a hen with a severely broken leg. I didn’t realize how difficult it would be or how attached I was to her. She was my child’s favorite chicken which is probably why she meant so much. I didn’t realize it was broken, aside from a substantial limp I thought would improve she was eating, drinking, pooping, laying eggs normally & would put weight on it. Perhaps I was in denial because of how the injury occurred, but I feel terrible for this hen & miss her dearly. I didn’t even think to research about a broken leg because I convinced myself it wasn’t. It's hard for me to watch our others free range outside without wishing she was still with them. I may need to rehome the others.

While I understand I’m posting this online, please be kind. I am being hard enough on myself, I’d just like to find someone that says she wasn’t “just a chicken” or someone who perhaps has a somewhat similar story. Thank you, I wish I had thought to look this kind of support up when she was still with us.

 

[Eggcessive]

Sorry for your loss. Chickens cannot always recover from a broken leg. It depends on where the break is, and if vet care is available. Splinting can be done on the part just above the foot and lower leg, but higher up they may not do well. Just don’t beat yourself up. At least she is not suffering and that is important. I think we all second guess ourselves whatever decision we make with our animals when there is illness or an injury. I would just go out and enjoy the remaining chickens, and time hopefully will soften the loss. Take care.

 

[Chicken information]

Sorry for your loss. Chickens cannot always recover from a broken leg. It depends on where the break is, and if vet care is available. Splinting can be done on the part just above the foot and lower leg, but higher up they may not do well. Just don’t beat yourself up. At least she is not suffering and that is important. I think we all second guess ourselves whatever decision we make with our animals when there is illness or an injury. I would just go out and enjoy the remaining chickens, and time hopefully will soften the loss. Take care.

Thank you so much, your kindness is appreciated more than you know! Her break was above the first joint of her femur. I palpated it, but don’t believe I went up that far on her leg. Her injury was caused by impact, I just don’t know how severe it was when the impact occurred & if the time it took us to get her to a vet made it worse. When the injury occurred she lifted her leg, but started putting it down shortly after so I thought she would continue to improve. It was a displaced break by the time we got her to the vet, I asked about surgery but the vet said that wasn’t an option. My husband was not in favor of taking her to a vet initially, I just wish I’d done it anyway. Thank you again!

I have learned how tough chickens are! Despite the severe limp she was acting bright & escaped her “chicken hospital” twice. Her flock mates beat up on her whenever she was close enough, I didn’t realize how ruthless they could be.

Thank you so much again, your reply brings me some comfort.

 

[Tucs]

I’m so sorry about your hen and I completely empathize.
I had a rooster and a hen recover from severe limps. Unfortunately I now have a hen who started by limping and is now not walking anymore. She is in an enclosure by herself next to the coop. She eats and drinks but stopped laying. I don’t what to do now.