Hen with broken toe

[eggspletive!]

I have a hen with a broken toe--the outside toe on her right foot. I have no idea how it happened. I've searched for prior posts both here and on the internet in general and there seem to be two schools of thought: 1) tape it up, and 2) leave it alone, because taping it will encourage pecking and then you'll have real trouble.

Does anyone have any further advice? Oddly, she has decided that perching on top of the metal feeder is the way to cope. She sits there day and night. I don't understand how it's not killing her foot, but I suppose if she stays in the same position for most of the day, any position, then that has to be good for her healing.

The bone has not broken through the skin, and there's no swelling or discoloration, but it's definitely and obviously broken.

 

[SoCalChick]

I have an Orp with a broken toe. Should say did have a broken toe. I left it alone and it healed itself although the toe is now bent the extreme wrong way BUT she is in no pain - and gets along great. I would just leave it. Is she limping?

 

[eggspletive!]

Yes, she's limping, and doesn't want to walk on it. I had them out in the run today and gave them some grapes (this was before I saw that it was broken) and she was running around on it, but then she started to limp and then just settle onto the ground, and when she stood up, I saw that the toe was bent backwards. It must be hurting her an awful lot.

 

[feathersnuggles]

I'd set the bone and use Vet Wrap to "tape" it (and maybe splint it, too, before you vet wrap). I used vet wrap recently to protect a hen's burnt toe. She, and the rest of the flock, NEVER pecked at the vet wrap on her foot.

 

[SoCalChick]

Mine was limping alot to - i just made sure she had food in different areas so she didnt have to walk far if she didnt want to - and she healed pretty quickly.

 

[Sir Birdaholic]

I have had a few birds with broken toes from trying to eat with the horses. They heal themselves & seldom get a permanent gimp.