Hens leg fell off

[ilovemychickens2000]

By no means an expert but I've read about chicken that self-amputate after frostbite, maybe this is similar? You might find helpful info if you look for posts from others who dealt with that in these forums.

I'd continue with epsom salt baths until the stump fully heals.

We live in WA so it doesnt get too cold, i think someone mentioned fly strike and that could be it due to her leg having maggots but im unsure

Ill look into frost bite though

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Yes, that's what fly strike is, when flies lay their eggs in a wound and they hatch into maggots, eating the flesh. Are you sure there are no maggots left in her leg? If there are, get rid of them or they will eat her alive.

 

[Bawkbok]

Wow that's crazy - I'm sorry that happened. I can't imagine walking up to that scene. Kudos to you for your effort in helping her. It sounds like she's doing great but as others have indicated in their suggestions, keeping it clean and bacteria free will be important. Chickens are so resilient and the experiences people share on this site never cease to amaze me. Good luck to you and her.

 

[Eggcessive]

If there is a wound or poop on a chicken when flies are out, flystrike and maggots always a danger. Many chickens get around fine on one leg, but I would clean and disinfect the stump daily. Permethrin spray or SWAT gel is good to kill flies and maggots.

 

[WaterfowlsPoultry]

Do make sure you check on her every maybe 2 hours or less? Or you can just do it every day once if you sense that she's doing good.
Your main opponent to this situation is a possible infection or more maggots growing on her leg knub, make sure you do apply some sort of medication.

I completely agree with Eggcessive, Make sure you apply Permethrin spray as that seems to work. Best of luck to you!

 

[RoyalChick]

If the leg already self-amputated, there is a good chance that the stump wound is dry and doesn't need treating. If it looks like an open wound then keep it clean and use triple antibiotic ointment.

 

[atomic]

This is kind of a crazy thread, I’m interested to see this chicken. I really hope she pulls through as it seems she is doing well!

 

[Raven_Evergreen]

Update?

 

[ilovemychickens2000]

Update?

Shes doing fine now, i was going to let her free roam but one of our ducks was killed by and eagle so i put her back into her coop right away.

Moves around pretty fast for only one leg! i gave her a peice or watermelon rind and she really enjoyed it. She kept making the "foods here" noises.

She also took 2 dust baths while making the "im happy" noises

I think she will recover and then we can introduce her back into the flock hopefully!

*edit, ill try to get photos of her the next time shes out and about, her leg was self amputated, not amputated by us, and yes this website does have some crazy stories lol*

This is kind of a crazy thread, I’m interested to see this chicken. I really hope she pulls through as it seems she is doing well!

If the leg already self-amputated, there is a good chance that the stump wound is dry and doesn't need treating. If it looks like an open wound then keep it clean and use triple antibiotic ointment.

Do make sure you check on her every maybe 2 hours or less? Or you can just do it every day once if you sense that she's doing good.
Your main opponent to this situation is a possible infection or more maggots growing on her leg knub, make sure you do apply some sort of medication.

I completely agree with Eggcessive, Make sure you apply Permethrin spray as that seems to work. Best of luck to you

If there is a wound or poop on a chicken when flies are out, flystrike and maggots always a danger. Many chickens get around fine on one leg, but I would clean and disinfect the stump daily. Permethrin spray or SWAT gel is good to kill flies and maggots.

Wow that's crazy - I'm sorry that happened. I can't imagine walking up to that scene. Kudos to you for your effort in helping her. It sounds like she's doing great but as others have indicated in their suggestions, keeping it clean and bacteria free will be important. Chickens are so resilient and the experiences people share on this site never cease to amaze me. Good luck to you and her.

Yes, that's what fly strike is, when flies lay their eggs in a wound and they hatch into maggots, eating the flesh. Are you sure there are no maggots left in her leg? If there are, get rid of them or they will eat her alive.

FYI- Relplying to everyones message so they get an update if they've been wanting one!!!

 

[ilovemychickens2000]

Update?

Hi all, sorry i didnt update for a while.

Turnip is NOT dead! just a handful to take care of, so i dont get many chances to take photos.

Havent reintroduced her into her coop yet, probably wont until she is strong enough to run around and fight back incase a hen tries to fight her

She can run, fly, dust bathe, and sun bathe. She also loves to play alot, running , jumping , stretching her wings while she chases bugs around the yard

She hasnt laid an egg in maybe a year-ish. She is maybe 3-5 years old, so she could just be slowing down on egg production.

Heres photos from today! She likes apples alot.

No cloudy eyes here! which ive heard means shes doing good!


Enjoys laying around alot. Having one leg must be tiring!

(sorry for blurry pic) Not lethargic though! this was her after spotting a blue jay flying overhead. Look at that stance! Pretty good for a one-legged chicken! shes ready to fight someone!!

Were still letting her rest. I learned her story, She had to watch her sister get mauled by a raccoon which mustve been pretty traumatic. Im assuming maybe she got bit on the leg by that raccoon, causing fly strike?

Also, if anyone knows if her not layings eggs is ok pls tell me! She seems to be doing ok, but at the same time she seemed ok until one morning she only had one leg...

Just want her to live a happy life in chicken paradise. Any tips or fun ideas for her would be appreciated