I have a chicken that has been injured I could really use some advice.

[Gabrielle silkie lover]

I have a young hen that has been attacked by a dog she appears to have a broken leg.The leg slides forward when she tries to get up.It looks as if she is doing a split.I have not dealt with this kind of injury so would really appreciate some advice on how I can get this little hen back on her feet.She is young and could start laying eggs any day, she could have a long life ahead of her. Please if you have any helpful information let me know.

 

[chicmom]

Oh gee! Gabrielle, can you get ahold of her so that you can see where it's broken? Do you think it's at the hip, or lower? If it's the hip, that can be tricky, but you can get some vet wrap, and basically fold the leg up in a natural way (like how she would be positioned if she was setting on a nest. Then you tape around the body, under the wings. Yes, she will be on one leg, but that is OK, she will hop around. Holding that leg stable is probably the only chance for her to be comfortable and for the bone to heal. Of course some will say go to the vet, but we all don't have that kind of money. So my advice is to wrap her, and if she can't figure out a way to get around, keep her in a crate with clean straw, food and water. Possibly some electrolites, and see how she does.....Good luck to you!