Hen with Injured Leg

[nwTarrant]

Hi all,

We have a hen that has received some kind of injury. We noticed her not coming out of the coop in the mornings with the others. This is common, as one often stays inside and lays an egg before coming out. However the same one wasn't coming out, so we checked on her to see that she seems to have a leg injury.

Current Symptoms:

• Balances on one leg; doesn't use the other one at all
• Significant swelling on the one she isn't using

The hen in question is roughly 3 years old, a rhode island red, and we didn't see the injury event so it's unclear what happened.
Following on another post, we will be doing the warm epsom salt bath for 15-20 minutes when stores are open tomorrow and we can get some, to clean up the leg to get a better look at it.

I've attached some pictures of how she currently is, and the leg. Other than the injury her personality is normal and shows normal alertness and colouration.

Until we can get the epsom salt bath, are are some other diagnosis that can be done? I'm also calling a vet tomorrow, but it'll likely be more than what we can afford.

 

[SmiYa0126]

@Wyorp Rock @azygous @Eggcessive please help!

 

[azygous]

It looks like she may have got her foot caught in something and where the scab is, it may be infected. It also appears that circulation may be poor to her toes. I wouldn't wait to buy the Epsom salts and get started on soaking it to improve circulation.

When you do soak, add Dawn detergent to the water to soften that black scab. You need to pull it off and clean out any solid pus where bacteria may be hiding. I would soak twice a day.

Dry the foot and apply triple antibiotic ointment and keep it clean. Bandage of you need to.

 

[triciayoung]

Hi all,

We have a hen that has received some kind of injury. We noticed her not coming out of the coop in the mornings with the others. This is common, as one often stays inside and lays an egg before coming out. However the same one wasn't coming out, so we checked on her to see that she seems to have a leg injury.

Current Symptoms:

• Balances on one leg; doesn't use the other one at all
• Significant swelling on the one she isn't using

The hen in question is roughly 3 years old, a rhode island red, and we didn't see the injury event so it's unclear what happened.
Following on another post, we will be doing the warm epsom salt bath for 15-20 minutes when stores are open tomorrow and we can get some, to clean up the leg to get a better look at it.

I've attached some pictures of how she currently is, and the leg. Other than the injury her personality is normal and shows normal alertness and colouration.

Until we can get the epsom salt bath, are are some other diagnosis that can be done? I'm also calling a vet tomorrow, but it'll likely be more than what we can afford.

If you need antibiotics, I will send them to you. Just PM me.

 

[nwTarrant]

Update for interested parties:

We made one a sling based on a design in the book, with some modifications for working on the leg. We did the epsom salt + dawn detergent soak for 20 mins this evening. At times she would guard the leg so we used a paintbrush to get the epsom salt and dawn mixture further up her leg.

We then lanced the boils/nodules, drained them, and pulled away the discolored skin and hard pus. It's funny because after we drained the boils, the chicken appeared instantly relieved and relaxed, even closing its eyes while we worked on the leg to remove bad skin.

After that, we used a wound flush that the vet recommended in addition to the antibiotics. Finally, applied antibiotics to the leg, especially where there was now open wounds, covered with some sterile cloth, and fashioned into place with some very lightly applied painters tape.

The hen is now in the house, in a quiet room with the light off, in her sling.

I've attached some pictures of her in the sling, and the setup underneath for soaking and the surgical work.

Next appointment is scheduled for the morning. Thank you for the guidance on helping us treat our hen!